Luka Modric has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract with AC Milan, declaring that he never seriously considered departing San Siro despite a painful end to last season.
Injury and Redemption
The 39-year-old suffered an injury against Juventus that clouded the closing months of the previous campaign, before a home defeat to Cagliari extinguished the Rossoneri’s title challenge. Modric admitted it required a World Cup campaign with Croatia to fully process the disappointment.
Speaking to Milan TV, via MilanNews, the former Ballon d’Or winner explained that recovery and renewal were always his priority. “I never thought it would be my last game with Milan,” he said. “Deep down, I knew I wanted to continue, but at the same time, I had to check other things that would allow me to do so. Now I’m here and I’m very happy to be back.”
Amorim’s Ambition
The midfielder highlighted the club’s show of faith over the summer as crucial to his decision to extend. Milan have appointed Ruben Amorim as manager and added significant firepower, including deals worth approximately €150 million once Diego Moreira’s transfer from Strasbourg is finalised.
“Milan showed how much they cared about me and the fact that I was part of this new project: it was what I needed, what I wanted to hear,” Modric stated. “I talked to my family about it and decided to stay.”
Bernabéu Benchmark
Having spent 12 trophy-laden years at the Santiago Bernabéu, Modric placed his current club alongside his former employers. “I played for the biggest club in the world, Real Madrid, but I feel like Milan is at the same level,” he said. “Those who talk about Milan do so differently than other clubs. And when you come here, you understand why: it’s one of the top clubs in the world, the people who work there make it great, the fans.”
Modric closed with a direct appeal to the supporters ahead of the new campaign. “I want to thank everyone for their support since I arrived. What I ask of the fans is to stay with us and support our project,” he urged. “I can promise that we will truly give everything our fans deserve: we hope they are proud of us. We need them to have a great season.”