Croatia captain Luka Modric has signed a one-year contract with AC Milan, saying he was motivated by a desire to remain competitive and continue playing at the highest level in Europe.
“I’m happy to be here and I look forward to a new adventure,” the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner told AC Milan’s official TV channel following his departure from Real Madrid.
Modric, who turns 40 in September, spent 12 years at the Spanish club after joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012. During his time at the Bernabéu, he collected six UEFA Champions League titles, four La Liga trophies, and two Copa del Rey wins.
“I wanted to stay in Europe, to continue playing competitive football. I had some other offers, but when Milan showed interest, it was clear from the first moment,” he explained.
Although Milan finished a disappointing eighth in Serie A last season and failed to qualify for European competitions, Modric maintained that the club’s stature remains undiminished.
“Milan cannot be satisfied with average and needs to have the biggest goals possible, to win titles, to compete with the best teams in the world. That’s why I am here,” he said.
The midfielder’s deal includes the option of an additional year with the Rossoneri, who boast seven Champions League crowns and 19 Italian league titles.
“I’m never satisfied, I always want more,” Modric said. “When you’ve experienced that feeling of winning, you want to feel it even more. I still have hunger, desire, still wanting more.”
Reflecting on what fuels his longevity, Modric credited his enduring passion for football.
“The most important thing is the love for the game, for football. That’s what I still have, what I still feel in my belly, this fire, that’s what pushes me. There are no secrets, for me it’s the passion, the love for football. I am never satisfied.”
Modric, a World Cup finalist with Croatia in 2018, also shared his early admiration for Milan, shaped by childhood memories.
“When I was a kid, I watched the Italian league a lot. Milan was my favourite team,” he recalled.
“Also because Zvonimir Boban was there, who was my idol,” he added, referring to the Croatian legend who played for Milan between 1992 and 2001.