TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Croatian international and football legend Luka Modric has officially joined AC Milan on a free transfer after ending his 13-year spell with Real Madrid. The recently concluded 2025 Club World Cup marked his final tournament with the Spanish giants.
According to a report from Football Italia, Modric arrived in Milan on Monday morning, July 13, 2025, to undergo a medical examination before signing a one-year contract with an option to extend it until the summer of 2027. If extended, the midfielder would still be playing professionally at 41.
Although Modric had already agreed to personal terms last month, he chose to wait until completing his commitment to Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup before finalizing the move.
In the tournament, Real Madrid, now managed by Xabi Alonso, suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, missing out on the title.
Modric, who will turn 40 in September, has had a storied career with 188 caps for the Croatian national team and 597 competitive appearances for Real Madrid.
His honors include a Ballon d'Or in 2018, six Champions League titles, four LaLiga championships, five Club World Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, two Copa del Rey wins, and five Spanish Super Cups.
AC Milan becomes the fourth club in Modric's professional career, following stints with Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham Hotspur, and Real Madrid. When the chance to join Milan presented itself, Modric took it immediately. He has long been known as a fan of the Italian club.
AC Milan Confident in Modric’s Arrival
AC Milan’s club director Igli Tare expressed strong confidence in the signing, stating that Modric is exactly the type of player the team needs.
"I spoke to him in person and saw a guy who is really eager to be competitive. His arrival is crucial for a group that needs players like him, leadership," Tare told Gazzetta dello Sport, as quoted by ESPN.
Tare also emphasized the midfielder’s value beyond the pitch.
"He is important for what he will convey in terms of mentality, leadership and professionalism. The fact that he is an AC Milan fan makes this story even more exciting, and it would be great for him to have a stellar season as at the end of the season is the World Cup," he said.
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