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Luka Modric Reveals Why He Chose AC Milan After Leaving Real Madrid

Originally posted on Real Madrid CF on SI
By Jordan Merritt | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 5:16 AM ET

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has departed the club after 13 seasons in a Los Blancos shirt, leaving behind some memorable times. The 39-year-old still has plenty to give, and chose to extend his career at another top European club.

The Croatian signed a one-year contract with Serie A club AC Milan, with the option of a further year after the 2025-26 season. Modric was unveiled as a Rossoneri this past week and will hope to change the fortunes of the club, which finished eighth in the standings last season.

It’s official: Luka Modrić is Rossonero ❤️
#WelcomeModrić pic.twitter.com/ur2atXySas
— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 14, 2025

During his first interview with the official channel, Modric revealed why he chose AC Milan, and why, as soon as they called, it was clear that it was his next destination.

"I wanted to stay in Europe, in the top flight of football. As a kid, I watched a lot of Serie A, and Milan was my favorite team, partly because my idol, Boban, was there. I had other offers, but when Milan called me, I was clear. I wanted it from the start.Luka Modric

Zvonimir Boban was a Croatian midfielder who played for Rossoneri for ten seasons in the 90s. He joined from Dinamo Zagreb, the same club that Modric started back in their home country.

AC Milan are one of the greatest soccer clubs in history, but had a very dissapointing season in 2024-25. The club reacted, bringing in former coach Massimiliano Allegri, replacing Sérgio Conceição who was sacked. Allegri esponded by bringing in Modric, who will add some experince to the squad.

This article first appeared on Real Madrid CF on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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