Croatia captain Luka Modrić has officially signed a one-year deal with AC Milan at the age of 39, the Italian club announced on Monday.
Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri had hinted last week that the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner would be making the switch from Real Madrid to San Siro following the Club World Cup.
Modrić, who turns 40 in September, joined Real Madrid from Tottenham in 2012. His move to Italy had been widely speculated since early June, after he confirmed he would leave the Spanish club at the end of his contract.
“AC Milan are delighted to announce that Luka Modrić has signed a contract with the club until 30 June 2026, with an option to extend until 30 June 2027,” the 19-time Serie A champions said in a statement.
The Croatian midfielder was in Milan earlier on Monday for medical tests. According to Italian reports, he will begin training with his new teammates in August.
“I’m very happy to be here to start a new chapter in my career,” Modrić said in a video shared on Milan’s social media. “A big hug to everyone,” he added.
Allegri, who returned to AC Milan after leading the team to the Serie A title in 2011 during his first stint from 2010 to 2014, will oversee the new campaign starting with their Italian Cup opener on August 17.
