Luka Modric Arrives In AC Milan On Free Transfer; Says 'Happy To Start A New Chapter'

Last Updated:July 14, 2025, 20:05 IST

Luka Modrić has arrived in Italy to finalize his move to AC Milan. The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner joins on a free transfer from Real Madrid, where he won 28 trophies.

Luka Modric arrives in Milan for his medical (X)

Veteran Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić has officially arrived in Italy to finalize his move to AC Milan, the seven-time European champions.

The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner confirmed his arrival in a joint Instagram video posted with the club, marking the beginning of what he called a “new chapter" in his legendary career.

“Ciao everybody, I just landed in Milan, very happy to be here and to start a new chapter in my career," Modrić said in the video.

Modrić joins on a free transfer from Real Madrid, where he spent a storied 13 seasons, establishing himself as one of the club’s all-time greats.

Before being officially unveiled, he will undergo routine medical examinations and then visit Casa Milan to sign his contract. He will wear the number 14 jersey, last worn by Tijjani Reijnders, who recently departed for Manchester City.

Despite his deep ties to Madrid, Modrić has long harbored a connection with AC Milan. As a child, he idolized Zvonimir Boban, the Croatian midfield legend who starred for Milan in the 1990s. That admiration laid the foundation for a lifelong affection for the Rossoneri.

Modrić’s time at Real Madrid was nothing short of legendary. After joining the club from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, he amassed a staggering 28 trophies, including 6 UEFA Champions League titles, 4 La Liga titles, and multiple other trophies.

Modrić arrives at Milan during a summer of significant transition. The club has seen key departures, including:

• Tijjani Reijnders, the midfield engine, now at Manchester City
• Theo Hernández, the dynamic left-back, lured by a lucrative offer from Al Hilal

Head coach Massimiliano Allegri is believed to see Modrić not just as a player, but as a mentor for the new generation of players coming into Milan.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location :

First Published:

News sports » football Luka Modric Arrives In AC Milan On Free Transfer; Says 'Happy To Start A New Chapter'