Santi Gimenez with new partner: Luka Modric arrives at AC Milan
Luka Modric is ready to report to his team in Italy and begin his new post-Real Madrid era
Legendary midfielder Luka Modric was unveiled as a new AC Milan player on Monday, marking the start of a new era in his career at almost 40 years old.
After saying goodbye to Real Madrid and closing out a 13-season run of glory, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner will wear the Rossoneri shirt until at least June 2026, in a move that seeks to bring leadership, experience, and a winning mentality to a project under reconstruction.
"I'm very happy to be here to start a new chapter in my career. A hug to everyone," Modric said in a video posted on Milan's official Instagram account after his arrival in the city.
A Real Madrid legend in search of new challenges
Modric arrives in Milan after having won everything with the Whites: 6 Champions Leagues, 5 Club World Cups, 4 La Liga titles, 5 Spanish Super Cups, among many other titles, bringing his total to 34 trophies in his professional career.
His last game for Real Madrid was in the semi-finals of the 2025 Club World Cup, a 4-0 defeat to PSG.
The Croatian joins a revamped Milan side under Massimiliano Allegri, who will be looking to rebound after a season without qualifying for European competitions.
The Lombard club has relied on Modric’s experience and competitive mindset to lead a young dressing room lacking in role models.
“I spoke to him in person, I saw a man with a great desire to be competitive,” said Milan sporting director Igli Tare. “The first question Luka asked me was: 'Are we a team made to win the championship?'”
Tough preseason for Milan
Milan will begin their preseason matches on July 23 in Asia, with matches against Arsenal in Singapore and Liverpool in Hong Kong.
Then he will face Perth in Australia on July 31 and will finish with two matches in Europe, against Leeds in Dublin and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
After the preseason, Modric's first official match will be at San Siro against Bari,corresponding to the first round of the Coppa Italia.
Serie A will start a week later and Modric could make his Italian league debut against newly promoted Cremonese, also at San Siro.