“Like when I used to watch you with my dad when I was a kid" is one of AC Milan's most famous chants and can often be heard reverberating around the San Siro. A verse that even Luka Modric, one of the greatest footballers of all time with an endless list of silverware to his name, can truly relate to after securing his dream move to the club.
The silky Croatian playmaker, having called time on an illustrious spell at Real Madrid following his side's semi-final exit at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, is now chomping at the bit to add another jewel to his crown with Milan.
Milan, the club he has dreamed of playing for since he was a little boy, as shown by pictures of him wearing the Rossoneri colours, will be his last rodeo in football, at least at club level. He is still dreaming of representing his country again at the FIFA World Cup 26.
The deal that sees the best player at the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 make the switch to Serie A is a shrewd move and a win-win for all parties involved, despite his advancing age. Modric will turn 40 this September, but in the Italian league and at a club like Milan, who are crying out for a fresh start and someone to grab the team by the scruff of the neck both on and off the pitch, his vast experience with Real Madrid and Croatia means he still has a lot to offer, even if he is no spring chicken.
Out of all European competitions, Massimiliano Allegri’s side can offer the two-time FIFA World Cup All-Star Team member, who featured at Russia 2018 and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, a starring role, be it as a regular starter or as the proverbial 12th man.
They can guarantee him plenty of minutes in the highly tactical Serie A, which will give him the perfect opportunity to once again showcase his ability to be one step ahead of his opponents, combining his quality and vision to make a difference on the pitch. Even though he will not be able to contribute as much as he has done in the past, Modric can still play a pivotal role in Serie A, deployed either as a deep-lying playmaker or an attacking midfielder. He will be crucial in helping his younger team-mates develop their game both on the pitch and in terms of their character off it.
The midfielder's arrival was confirmed by newly-appointed Milan coach Allegri earlier this month. "Very happy to be here to start a new chapter in my career," said Modric in an Instagram video shared by Milan. Milan said Modric will wear the number 14 shirt, which he previously wore during his four years at English side Tottenham Hotspur to honour Dutch great Johan Cruyff. "It's an immense honour for them to compare me to (Cruyff)... I wore the no. 14 at Tottenham in honour of him, and because the no. 10 wasn't available," Modric had said after winning the Ballon d'Or award in 2018.
Modric's arrival at the club will do wonders for the league's reputation, while also offering him the perfect setting to get himself ready for one final dance on the world's biggest stage. Getting regular minutes at Milan will help keep him fresh, fit and ready for the FIFA World Cup 26.
"Boban was my hero, and when I was a little boy, my father bought me a Milan tracksuit,” Modric revealed in a 2020 interview. "I used to picture myself playing for Milan, but things didn't quite pan out that way."
Until now. The most-decorated player in Real Madrid’s history is eager to embark on one final challenge: to help fire the Rossoneri back to the top of Serie A and represent his country one last time before hanging up his boots.
He played his last game for Real on Wednesday, coming on as a second-half substitute during a 4-0 loss to Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals. "It's a bitter end... he's a legend of world football and of Real Madrid. He'll be remembered for many more good things than for the 25 minutes he played today," Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said after the match.
