‘Extraordinary’ Modric to join AC Milan from Real Madrid

Luka Modric will join AC Milan in August after completing his final tournament with Real Madrid, manager Massimiliano Allegri confirmed on Monday.

The Croatia captain, 39, had already announced he would leave the Spanish giants following the Club World Cup in the United States, bringing an end to a glittering 13-year career in Madrid.

“Modric will arrive in August. He is an extraordinary player,” Allegri said during his first press conference since returning for a second spell as Milan boss.

Modric’s legendary Real Madrid career

Modric, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, has lifted 28 trophies with Real Madrid, including:

• Six Champions League titles

• Four La Liga titles

• Five Club World Cups

He joined the Spanish side from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 and is regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation.

At the current Club World Cup, Modric has made five substitute appearances, including in the 3-2 quarter-final win over Borussia Dortmund which set up a semi-final clash with Paris St-Germain.

Milan rebuild continues under Allegri

Having finished eighth in Serie A last season, Milan are undergoing a significant squad reshuffle. Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders was sold to Manchester City last month, while left-back Theo Hernandez is reportedly close to joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

However, Allegri, who won the Serie A title with Milan in 2011 during his first four-year spell, is optimistic about keeping key stars.

“While Reijnders and Hernandez won’t be part of the team next season, Mike Maignan and Rafael Leao seem willing to stay,” Allegri added.

Chelsea had been linked with France goalkeeper Maignan but did not meet Milan’s reported £25m valuation.

Milan will begin their 2025/26 Serie A campaign against Cremonese on 23 August.