World-renowned midfielder Luka Modric officially changed his sporting destination by joining AC Milan through a free transfer after his remarkable 13 years with the Spanish giant Real Madrid.
At 39 years old, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner signed a contract that will bind him to the Italian club until June 2026, with an option for a one-year extension.
In an official statement to the club's social channels, Modric shared his excitement about the new challenge, describing the transfer as the "beginning of a new chapter" in his remarkable football career.
Massimiliano Allegri, who returned as the head coach of Milan, described Modric as an "extraordinary player" when confirming his joining the team.
The Croatian's statistics are more than impressive - over the years at Real Madrid, he won a total of 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles and four Spanish championships. His 597 matches for the club include scoring 43 goals.
His last match with Real Madrid's jersey was the memorable semi-final match of the Club World Championship, which ended in a 0:4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite his advanced age, Modric still has ambitions and sporting goals, explicitly expressing his desire to participate in the upcoming World Championship next year, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
For AC Milan, this transfer comes at a time when the team is seeking recovery after a mediocre season, during which they finished eighth in the Serie A championship and missed participation in European club tournaments.
Modric's transition becomes a landmark moment not only for him as an individual player but also as a potential catalyst for a renaissance in the Italian football giant AC Milan.