AC Milan announced on Thursday that Luka Modrić has signed a new contract, keeping the Croatian midfielder at the club until 30 June 2027. The one-year extension means Modrić will continue to wear the number 14 shirt into his 41st year, a decision that, viewed from the Italian football establishment, signals the club’s intent to blend experience with a fresh tactical project under new head coach Rúben Amorim.

Modrić arrived at Milanello in the summer of 2025 on a free transfer after 13 seasons at Real Madrid, where he won six Champions League titles and the 2018 Ballon d’Or. In his debut Serie A campaign, he made 37 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice, as the Rossoneri laboured to a fifth-place finish and a Coppa Italia exit in the last 16. Croatian observers note that the midfielder’s influence extended beyond the pitch: the club’s official statement described him as “one of the finest and most iconic players in world football” and praised the humility and passion he brought to the squad.

His renewal follows a summer in which he captained Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, his fifth appearance at the tournament. Modrić started all four of his nation’s matches, surpassing 200 international caps, before a contentious 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the round of 32 ended the campaign. He remained on the field for 109 minutes that night in Toronto, a testament to the endurance that has defined his late career.

Milan’s rebuild under Amorim, who replaced Massimiliano Allegri, has already seen the arrivals of Portuguese forward Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint‑Germain for a reported €70 million and Spanish defender Mario Gila from Lazio for €30 million. The club will compete in the Europa League this season, and Modrić’s contract extension provides a fixed point of leadership as the squad adapts to new tactical demands. In a statement released by the club, the player said he was “thrilled to stay” and spoke of a “desire to bounce back” after a season below expectations.

Modrić’s career path had briefly appeared to point elsewhere. Before joining Milan, he was linked with a move to Inter Miami, and in April 2025 it was reported that he would become a minority owner of Swansea City, a role that did not affect his playing status. Instead, he will now enter a second season in Lombardy, where his experience will be measured against the physical demands of a league that, as analysts in London note, has rarely seen an outfield player of his age operate at such a level. Milan begin their pre‑season with a friendly against Celtic before travelling to Australia and Asia for further tests.