Modrić and AC Milan: onward together
AC Milan's new era begins again with one certainty: Luka Modrić. The Rossoneri have exercised the one-year extension clause in the Croatian's contract, extending the bond that began in the summer of 2025 for another season. Despite the disappointment of last season’s finish, Modrić chose to continue his journey in Rossonero, reaffirming that his passion for both football and AC Milan – the club he supported as a boy – goes far beyond results.
At over 40 years old, the Croatia captain continues to set the standard across Serie A with his competitiveness and enthusiasm. Amorim will once again be able to count on a player of the highest calibre, one who offers not only experience, composure and leadership, but also outstanding technical quality and tactical intelligence.
Modrić at AC Milan: numbers and records from his first Serie A season
Modrić's impact at AC Milan and in Serie A was immediate. He quickly became the focal point of the Rossoneri’s midfield, helping drive the team to the top of the table during an impressive start to the campaign. His first season in Italy was defined by remarkable consistency: 37 appearances, 32 of them starts, playing a total of 2,864 minutes. He also contributed two goals and three assists, numbers that only partly reflect the influence he had on AC Milan's attacking play.
His first goal also secured him a place in Serie A history: at 40 years and five days old, Modrić became the oldest midfielder ever to score in the Italian top flight, surpassing the previous record held by another Rossoneri legend, Nils Liedholm.
Playmaker, creator and inspiration: Modrić at the heart of the game
Last season’s statistics demonstrated just how influential Modrić still is when controlling the rhythm of a match. With 2,257 completed passes, Modrić ranked among the league's leading dynamos, establishing himself as the focal point of AC Milan's build-up play.
Perhaps the most telling statistic, however, was his league-leading total of five secondary assists, highlighting his remarkable ability to create the move before the decisive pass. Modrić also finished second in the league for the number of times he switched the play, completing 37 cross-field passes that quickly changed the angle of attack, while he ranked third for completed passes in the opposition half, with 1,036. Among all outfield players, he also finished second for completed long passes, with an impressive total of 270.
possession, breaking defensive lines, switching the play or dictating the tempo, Modrić continued to demonstrate an extraordinary understanding of every aspect of midfield play.
His experience also represents an invaluable resource for the development of AC Milan's younger players. The Club hopes that Jordan Jashari, in particular, can take the next step in his development by sharing the midfield with one of the finest players of his generation.
The second Rossoneri chapter
Luka Modrić's new adventure will not begin at Milanello. Unlike in the summer of 2025, the Croatian will join his teammates directly in Australia for AC Milan’s pre-season tour. Under Rúben Amorim, his role is expected to evolve without losing its importance. After a season in which he was one of the team's most heavily used players, the Portuguese coach will be able to manage his workload more carefully, asking him above all to provide technical and tactical leadership during the decisive moments of the campaign.
Modrić will turn 41 on 9 September, but his motivation remains as strong as ever. Driving him are the desire to respond after last season's disappointing conclusion and the ambition to finish his career with another major trophy, perhaps one of the few still missing from his extraordinary collection. Among these elusive few is the UEFA Europa League. Modrić has played in the competition only once, making two appearances for Tottenham during the 2011/12 season before spending a significant section of career competing for the UEFA Champions League.
His contract extension with AC Milan will also coincide with the final chapter of his international career. The Croatia captain will bid farewell to his national team after the UEFA Nations League match against Spain on 6 October in Split. It will mark the end of a legendary story with Croatia. Then, for Luka Modrić, only one shirt will remain: another season with the Rossoneri, continuing to inspire Serie A while proving once again that true class is ageless.