AC Milan Announces the Signing of Luka Modric
Luka Modrić, the renowned Croatian midfielder, has officially joined AC Milan on a one-year contract, with an option for a one-year extension, subject to performance and fitness. The 36-year-old will be wearing the iconic number 14 shirt for the Rossoneri, a number that holds symbolic significance within Milan's squad.
The announcement was made on Monday, with Modrić arriving in Milan around 11 am. After undergoing a medical examination, he completed the process around 2:53 pm, paving the way for the highly-anticipated contract signing, which is due to take place around 5 pm.
Upon arrival, Modrić was in a good mood but not too talkative, greeting journalists who surrounded his car briefly. He expressed his delight at being in Milan and looked forward to the new challenges that lie ahead.
Modrić's move from Real Madrid marks the end of a 13-year era for the midfielder, during which he made 73 appearances in his last season. However, he is not expected to go into action immediately after his move. Instead, he will take a well-deserved break before returning for training on August 4, marking the official start of a new chapter in his career.
John Terry, a former Chelsea and England footballer, has praised Modrić, calling him "fantastic, one of the best in the world, a great person, and a great addition to AC Milan."
In terms of salary, Modrić has accepted a significant pay cut compared to his earnings at Real Madrid. His contract with AC Milan is reportedly worth between €2.5 million and €3 million gross per year, a considerable decrease from his previous salary. This contract extension option reflects the club's and player's mutual willingness to continue beyond the initial year, depending on performance and fitness, especially given Modrić's ambition to stay competitive ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Modrić's arrival in Milan follows the official confirmation of the return of Ivan Strinic, another notable figure in the Croatian football scene. Fans of both AC Milan and Croatia will undoubtedly be excited about the prospect of seeing these two talented players in action together.
[1] Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport [2] Source: Sky Sports [3] Source: Football Italia
Luka Modrić's move to AC Milan has sparked interest in European-leagues, particularly Serie-A, as he joins the discussion of top-tier football talent. John Terry, a former Chelsea and England footballer, praised Modrić, stating that he is "fantastic, one of the best in the world, a great person, and a great addition to AC Milan." Modrić's new team will be competing for football titles alongside the likes of his fellow Croatian, Ivan Strinic, who has also recently returned to the club.
