Luka Modric, the AC Milan midfielder, has signed a one-year contract extension with the club. The Croatian player, who will turn 41 in September, initially joined AC Milan last summer on a one-year deal that included an option for extension after his departure from Real Madrid.
During his first season with AC Milan, Modric made 37 appearances and scored two goals. The team finished fifth in Serie A and reached the last-16 stage of the Coppa Italia. Modric expressed his enthusiasm for staying, stating he felt welcomed and loved from his first day at the club. He also highlighted his immense desire to bounce back after a season that fell below expectations, looking forward to a new challenge and a project he believes in.
Modric recently participated in his fifth World Cup, where Croatia was eliminated in the last 32 by Portugal. Since becoming the national team captain in 2016, Croatia had previously achieved runner-up and third-place finishes in the World Cup. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner secured six Champions League titles and four La Liga titles during his time at Real Madrid.
Modric’s continuing role at San Siro
For the upcoming season, Modric will play under former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, who took over from Massimiliano Allegri in June. AC Milan described Modric as a key figure in their midfield since his arrival, bringing experience and quality both on and off the pitch with humility and passion. The club noted that the Croatian will continue his journey with the ambition to achieve new milestones.
Modric is reportedly motivated by the prospect of winning more silverware under Ruben Amorim at San Siro. He is said to be determined to end his career on a high note, aiming for a final trophy haul. Reports indicate he intends to retire from international football following a farewell match in Split on October 6, allowing him to concentrate fully on AC Milan‘s pursuit of a second star and a deep run in European competition.
While Modric was a frequent presence in the starting lineup during the 2025-26 season, the club and Amorim recognise that a player of his age will need careful management to maintain his performance levels. With AC Milan competing in Serie A, the Europa League, and the Coppa Italia, squad rotation is expected to be significant, especially given the physical demands of Amorim‘s tactical system.
Modric is aware that he will likely take on a more part-time role, potentially featuring in around 30 high-quality matches rather than the higher number of games the club could face in a full calendar. The focus will be on quality over quantity, ensuring a fresh Modric for key moments.
Squad dynamics and tactical approach
The decision to retain Modric does not imply a lack of confidence in Ardon Jashari. The Swiss international, who joined last summer for €34m plus bonuses, had his first year impacted by a fibula injury that kept him sidelined for three months. Under Massimiliano Allegri, Jashari saw limited playing time, but Amorim reportedly has a clear vision for the young player.
The Portuguese coach believes Jashari is well-suited for the interior midfield role in his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Amorim has studied the former Club Brugge player extensively and sees his combination of playmaking vision and ball-recovery skills as ideal for succeeding the veteran Croatian. Jashari, who started nine league games last season, is expected to have a more prominent role and will join the squad in Perth on August 3.
Amorim‘s main challenge will be balancing the squad. While both Modric and Jashari offer significant technical quality, a midfield pairing of the two might lack the physical presence needed for the Italian top flight. The availability of more physically robust options such as Youssouf Fofana, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Adrien Rabiot suggests that Amorim will rotate his creative players based on the opposition’s requirements. The Europa League is likely to be a primary platform for Jashari to gain consistent rhythm and experience.
Source: bbc.com
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