Luka Modric, one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, is about to start a brand-new chapter in his amazing football journey. The 39-year-old Croatian legend is preparing to join AC Milan after the Club World Cup finishes this summer, according to reports from trusted sources.
This news might surprise some fans, but others have seen it coming. After spending 12 incredible years at Real Madrid, Modric is finally moving on. Even though he’s almost 40, Luka isn’t ready to hang up his boots just yet. Instead of retiring or taking a big-money move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS, he’s decided to stay in Europe and keep playing top-level football with a historic team — AC Milan, who have won the Champions League seven times!
Saying Goodbye to Real Madrid
Luka Modric first joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur back in 2012. At the time, not everyone believed he would be a success. But Modric quickly proved the doubters wrong. Over the years, he became one of the most important players for the Spanish club. He made a huge 591 appearances for Real Madrid, helping the team win six Champions League titles — a record most players can only dream about!
He didn’t just win trophies. Modric also won personal awards, like the Ballon d’Or in 2018, which is given to the best player in the world. That same year, he led Croatia to the FIFA World Cup Final, and even though they didn’t win, it was an unforgettable achievement for his country.
In his final season at Real Madrid, Modric still showed he had the skills and strength to compete. He played 57 matches in all competitions — 35 of those in Spain’s La Liga. He was even captain a few times, showing how much trust the club had in his leadership.
Real Madrid gave him a very special farewell at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium last month. Fans, teammates, and coaches all showed their love and respect for the legendary midfielder.
Why AC Milan?
After leaving Real Madrid, Luka Modric had lots of offers. Clubs from Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer (MLS) wanted him to come play for them. These leagues have attracted many famous players lately, but Modric decided to stay in Europe.
Why? Because he still wants to play at the highest level. He believes that AC Milan, a team with a rich history and passionate fans, is the perfect place for him to continue his career.
According to football reporter Fabrizio Romano, Modric has agreed to join AC Milan. But he hasn’t taken the medical tests or signed anything yet. He wants to stay focused on Real Madrid until the Club World Cup is over.
One Last Tournament With Real
Even though he already made the decision to leave, Luka is still committed to Real Madrid. He’s part of the team’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup, which is taking place in the United States this year.
Real Madrid’s campaign starts with a match against Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami. After that, they will face teams like Pachuca from Mexico and RB Salzburg from Austria. If they make it to the final, it will be played on July 13.
Modric wants to give everything he has to help Real win the Club World Cup one last time. He doesn’t want to get distracted by his future move, which is why he’s waiting to officially complete his transfer to AC Milan after the tournament ends.
Still Dreaming Big for Croatia
Even at age 39, Luka Modric is still dreaming of playing for his country, Croatia. He hopes to represent them in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. By the time the tournament comes around, Modric will be 40 years old!
It’s not common for players to compete at that age, but Modric has always taken care of his body and trained hard. With his experience and skill, he could still be a key player for Croatia. That’s another reason he chose to stay in Europe — playing in top leagues will help him stay in great shape for the national team.
A New Home in Wales?
Even though his next football destination is Italy, Luka Modric is also making moves off the field. Earlier this year, he bought a minority ownership stake in Swansea City, a club that plays in England’s second-tier league, the Championship.
Swansea is based in Wales, and it looks like Modric is planning to spend some time there. Reports say he’s buying a house near the city worth around £1.1 million. That shows he’s not just thinking about today — he’s also planning for the future, maybe even life after football.
What Comes Next?
After the Club World Cup ends in July, fans can expect Modric to finally complete his move to AC Milan. There, he’ll join a strong team that’s looking to compete in both Serie A (Italy’s top league) and the UEFA Champions League.
Modric may not be the fastest player anymore, but his vision, passing, and leadership make him a valuable addition to any squad. He’ll likely play a key role for Milan, not just on the field but also in mentoring younger players.
Final Thoughts
Luka Modric has had a truly incredible football career so far. From playing in Croatia and England, to becoming a legend at Real Madrid, and now preparing for a new challenge at AC Milan — his story continues to inspire fans all over the world.
Even at 39, he’s not slowing down. He wants to win more trophies, play in another World Cup, and prepare for life beyond football. Whether it’s buying part of a club, moving to a new city, or leading a new team — Luka Modric keeps showing the world what it means to be a true professional.
