Legend Luka Modric (38) is finally donning the AC Milan jersey. Remembered as a symbol of the golden generation by soccer fans worldwide, Modric has chosen to move to Italy for the second time in his career.
AC Milan announced through the club's official channel on the 15th (Korean time) that it has signed a contract with Croatian midfielder Luka Modric until June 30, 2026. The contract includes an option to extend until June 30, 2027. The jersey number has been decided as 14.
Modric was born on Sept. 9, 1985, in Zadar, Croatia. He started his professional career at the age of 16 by joining the Dinamo Zagreb youth team, later experiencing loan spells at Zrinjski Mostar and Inter Zaprešić before returning to his former team in 2004. He recorded 32 goals in 128 matches over 4 seasons at Dinamo and lifted the league title 3 times, the Croatian Cup 2 times, and the Supercup once.
His reputation began to spread across Europe in the summer of 2008 when he transferred to Tottenham Hotspur. With 17 goals in 159 matches in the English stage, he quickly rose to become a top midfielder in the Premier League with his precise passing and vision for reading space.
His legend truly began when he transferred to Real Madrid in the summer of 2012. Over the next 13 seasons, he made 597 appearances and scored 43 goals, winning a total of 28 trophies, including 6 UEFA Champions League titles. This is the most wins in Real Madrid's history.
He claimed the Champions League 6 times, the Club World Cup 5 times, the Intercontinental Cup once, the European Super Cup 5 times, La Liga 4 times, the Copa del Rey 2 times, and the Spanish Super Cup 5 times.
In 2018, he led Croatia to the World Cup runner-up finish and won the Ballon d'Or. He is one of the few players to break the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to take the spot of the world's best player.
He is also a legend for the national team. With the most appearances in Croatian history (188 matches), he led the team as captain and always demonstrated a strong presence in international competitions. He scored 28 goals in A matches.
AC Milan stated in an official announcement, "Modric is one of the greatest players in the history of world football. His career is a history in itself, and he is ready to begin a new journey wearing the Rossoneri uniform."
AC Milan, which finished 2nd in Serie A last season, aims to reclaim the top spot with the addition of Modric. All eyes of soccer fans worldwide are on what kind of presence he will have on the Italian stage, equipped with both experience and class.
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