Luka Modric (40) has ended his 13-year journey with Real Madrid amid regret. He is now transferring to AC Milan.
European football transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano announced via social media on the 10th (Korean time), "Modric is heading to AC Milan! The deal with Croatian midfielder Modric is now completed."
He added, "Modric has signed a one-year contract with AC Milan until June 2026. He is expected to join AC Milan after the club World Cup as scheduled. The deal has been confirmed," he exclaimed with his signature phrase, 'Here we go.'
The BBC also reported, "An era has come to an end. Modric played his last match for Real Madrid," and noted, "Modric will play for AC Milan starting next season. He appeared in 34 matches in La Liga this season, scoring 2 goals and providing 6 assists. Modric extended his contract with Real Madrid for one year last year, which expired after the club World Cup."
On the same day, Real Madrid suffered a 0-4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
It was Modric's farewell match. He entered as a substitute in the 19th minute of the second half and recorded one key pass, diligently working the pitch, but could not prevent the team's defeat. As the final whistle blew, Modric shed tears of farewell, and Coach Xabi Alonso comforted him with an embrace.
Now, Modric is heading to AC Milan as everyone knows. Thus, he concludes his Real Madrid career with 592 appearances, 43 goals, 95 assists, 28 trophies, and the 2018 Ballon d'Or award.
Modric joined Real Madrid in 2012 after leaving Tottenham Hotspur and has achieved four UEFA Champions League (UCL) titles, four La Liga championships, and more. His personal career is also impressive with accolades such as UEFA Player of the Year and being selected six times for FIFA FIFPro World Best XI, along with being named UEFA Champions League Best Midfielder twice, as well as holding the record for the oldest player to appear for Real Madrid.
The farewell between Real Madrid and Modric was already confirmed. Real Madrid officially announced in May, "Our team captain Modric has agreed to conclude unforgettable moments as a player for our club after the club World Cup held in the U.S. starting June 18. We would like to express our gratitude and deep affection to him, who is the greatest legend in our team and in world football."
Additionally, Real Madrid stated, "Modric joined Real Madrid in 2012 and was an essential player during the most glorious era in the club's history. He won 28 trophies over 13 seasons. He is one of five players in football history to have won European competitions six times and the player with the most wins in Real Madrid's 123-year history."
Real Madrid President Florentino Perez said, "Modric will remain forever in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans. He has always represented the values of Real Madrid as a special and exemplary football player. Modric's football captivated Real Madrid fans and fans around the world. His legacy will be remembered forever."
Modric also stated, "Playing here has changed my life as a football player and my life as a person. I am proud to have shared the most successful era at the best club in history." He added, "After the club World Cup, I will no longer wear this jersey on the pitch, but I will always be a Real Madrid fan. We will meet again. Real Madrid will always be my home. For life. Hala Madrid."
With Real Madrid concluding its Club World Cup journey in the semifinals, Modric's partnership also comes to an end. While he parts ways with Real Madrid, his story continues.
Since Modric plans to participate in the 2026 North American World Cup, he wants to play at least one more season at the top level. Accepting AC Milan's call, he is set to challenge Serie A for the first time in his career.
At the age of '40', Modric remains an indispensable player for the Croatian national team. He holds the record for the most appearances with 188 matches. He has shown strong performances in the World Cup as well, winning the Golden Ball at the 2018 Russia World Cup and the Bronze Ball at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Meanwhile, Massimiliano Allegri, the new AC Milan coach, is also looking forward to Modric's arrival. He welcomed Modric, stating, "Modric is waiting to join us. He will come in August. He is an incredibly important and special player."
[Photo] 433, Real Madrid, Sky Sports, Fabrizio Romano social media.
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