Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has officially arrived in Italy to complete his highly anticipated move to AC Milan, a childhood dream come true for the Croatian midfielder.
A New Chapter Begins in Milan
The football world buzzed as Modric and AC Milan jointly announced his arrival via an Instagram video. “Ciao everybody, I just landed in Milan, very happy to be here (and) to start a new chapter in my career,” Modric shared, marking the end of an era at Real Madrid.
This move carries special significance for Modric, who grew up a dedicated Milan fan. His admiration for the club stemmed from his idol, fellow Croatian Zvonimir Boban, who famously played for the Rossoneri in the 1990s.
Departing a Dynastic Legacy at Real Madrid
Modric leaves Real Madrid after an astounding 13-year tenure, having joined them in 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur. His time with the Spanish giants was nothing short of legendary, cementing his status as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
During his prolific career at Real, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner amassed an incredible 28 trophies. This haul includes a record six Champions League titles, four Spanish League titles, five European Super Cups, five Spanish Super Cups, two Copas del Rey, and six Club World Cups.
AC Milan’s Quest for Glory
Modric arrives at an AC Milan side that, while historically dominant, has experienced fluctuating fortunes in recent years. After a period of decline in the 2000s, Milan secured their first league title in 11 years in 2022, signaling a potential resurgence.
However, the past season saw fan unrest due to a disappointing eighth-place finish and significant internal changes, including the controversial sacking of club legend Paolo Maldini as technical director. Despite these challenges, Milan remains the second most successful club in European history, trailing only Real Madrid in Champions League titles.
The Deal That Brought Him Home
The pursuit of Modric by AC Milan was a determined effort. New sporting director Igli Tare played a crucial role, traveling to Croatia’s training camp to finalize the agreement. Coach Massimiliano Allegri, who recently returned to the club, also reportedly consulted former Madrid and Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti about Modric’s form.
The deal was in place before the Club World Cup, but Modric remained with Real Madrid until the tournament concluded. His final match for Real saw them lose 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals.
- Luka Modric fulfilled a childhood dream by joining AC Milan.
- He won an incredible 28 trophies in 13 years with Real Madrid, including six Champions League titles.
- Modric’s arrival aims to help AC Milan return to their former glory in Italian and European football.
With Modric’s arrival, AC Milan hopes to inject veteran leadership and world-class talent into their squad as they strive to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.
