Luka Modric Joins AC Milan: Reviving Glory Amidst Change

Milan, July 17 (AP)—Luka Modric, who grew up a devout fan of AC Milan thanks to his idol and fellow countryman Zvonimir Boban, has made a stunning move to the Rossoneri. Milan's domination of European football in the 1990s made them an alluring force, and Modric couldn't resist the opportunity to represent the club after an illustrious 13-year tenure at Real Madrid. However, Modric is determined to shake off the mediocrity of last season that saw Milan finish eighth in Serie A, missing out on European competition.

“Milan cannot be satisfied with average,” Modric expressed firmly in an interview with Milan TV. “It needs to have the biggest goals possible, to win titles, and to compete with the best teams in the world. And that's why I'm here.”

A childhood photograph shows young Modric clad in a Milan warmup suit, a nod to his enduring affection for the club. “When I grew up, I used to watch a lot of the Italian league, and Milan was my favorite team,” he reminisced. “Back in Croatia, Milan was widely followed because it was one of the world's most popular clubs and, of course, because Zvonimir Boban was my idol.”

On Monday, Modric inked a one-year contract with Milan, which includes an option for a further season. “I wanted to stay in Europe and continue playing competitive football,” he shared. “I had some other offers, but when Milan reached out, it was clear from the first moment. What impressed me was how sporting director Igli Tare came to Croatia to present the project.”

In a string of changes, Milan has rehired Massimiliano Allegri as head coach after the unsuccessful campaign under predecessor Sergio Conceicao. Allegri, who was the mastermind behind Milan's 2011 league triumph and Juventus's five consecutive titles between 2015 and 2019, aims to restore Milan's glory alongside Tare, who recently joined the hierarchy.

“What I want to bring is a winning spirit, to support my teammates in every way, to work hard, and to earn my place in the team,” Modric stated passionately. “Nothing comes easy in life. You have to work. You have to fight.”

Modric will wear the No. 14 jersey he famously donned for Croatia and Tottenham, as Milan winger Rafael Leão retains the No. 10 shirt. Although Leão was the Serie A MVP during Milan's triumphant 2022 campaign, his form has fluctuated, leading to tensions with the management.

“Leão is the present and future of Milan,” Modric affirmed. (AP)

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