Following his departure from Real Madrid, Luka Modrić has set his sights on helping AC Milan reclaim a place among Europe’s football elite. The veteran midfielder, who signed with the Italian club on a free transfer, described his move as a straightforward choice, driven by ambition and belief in the club’s potential.
Reflecting on Milan’s legacy, Modrić acknowledged the club’s rich European history, including seven Champions League victories. He emphasized that a team with such a record cannot be content with average results or merely securing a Champions League spot. For him, the bar must be higher.
Modrić explained that achieving excellence begins with humility and dedication. While stressing the importance of hard work and building a strong squad, he described himself as someone with a competitive spirit, committed to elevating Milan’s standards. He called on everyone at the club to share in the ambition of competing for trophies while remaining grounded.
His minimum expectation is Champions League qualification, but his ultimate objective goes further — restoring Milan’s status at the top level. He expressed a clear intention to instill a winning mindset and raise the club’s goals, both domestically and in Europe.
The move to Milan: a decision made with confidence
When asked about how he chose Milan after leaving Spain, Modrić recounted the role played by the club’s sporting director, Igli Tare. According to him, Tare’s personal visit to Croatia was a significant moment that demonstrated the seriousness of Milan’s interest and belief in his continued value at the highest level.
That meeting, Modrić said, shifted the course of discussions. He emphasized the importance of a club outlining its plans when approaching a player, and felt Milan did exactly that. While he did take time to discuss the offer with his family, he admitted that deep down, he already knew it was the right move.
Though surprised by how quickly the transfer was finalized, Modrić saw the speed as a reflection of the trust Milan placed in him. He voiced hope that he would be able to prove their confidence right through his performances on the field.
Modrić’s career at Madrid spanned from 2012 to 2024, during which he became the most decorated player in the club’s history, earning 28 trophies. His six Champions League wins place him just behind the total titles won by Milan and Madrid themselves. Now joining a Milan side that finished eighth last season and missed out on top-tier European competition, Modrić is expected to bring not only experience but also the mentality needed to drive the club forward once again.
