Luka Modrić has officially extended his contract with AC Milan, confirming that he will continue his professional football career at the age of 40. The Croatian midfielder, who was recognized as the world footballer of the year in 2018, has signed a new agreement that keeps him with the Italian club until mid-2027, according to reports from ORF.
The decision to extend his stay comes after speculation suggested the 202-time Croatian international might retire following the conclusion of the most recent World Cup. Modrić, who joined the Rossoneri one year ago after a 13-year tenure at Real Madrid, expressed a strong desire to continue competing. After a season below our expectations, the desire to strike back is immense, Modrić stated following the signing. He described the upcoming season as a project he believes in and one that provides him with significant motivation.
A New Direction Under Rúben Amorim
The contract extension follows a tumultuous period for AC Milan. In the previous campaign, the club missed out on Champions League qualification on the final matchday, a result that led to a major organizational overhaul. The club subsequently dismissed its head coach, sporting director, CEO, and chief scout.
The arrival of new head coach Rúben Amorim played a pivotal role in convincing Modrić to remain with the team. According to 90min, Modrić held direct discussions with the Portuguese manager before finalizing his decision to continue. The club has publicly praised the veteran, describing him as a key figure in the Rossoneri midfield and one of the most iconic players in world football, citing his passion and experience as vital assets to the squad.
Chasing Serie A History
Modrić, who will celebrate his 41st birthday on September 9, is now positioned to make history in the Italian league. By playing into the 2026/2027 season, he is on track to surpass Zlatan Ibrahimović as the oldest outfield player in the history of Serie A. Ibrahimović’s record stands at 41 years and five months at the time of his final appearance.
Since his arrival in Milan, Modrić has maintained a consistent presence on the pitch, recording 37 appearances with two goals and three assists in the most recent campaign, as noted by Transfermarkt.
Context of the Career Extension
Modrić’s career remains decorated with elite honors, including six Champions League titles won during his time at Real Madrid. Despite his age, he remains a high-value asset in the transfer market; among players born in 1985, only Cristiano Ronaldo holds a higher market value than Modrić’s 3.5 million euros.
While the previous season ended in disappointment regarding league standing and European qualification, the veteran midfielder remains focused on the team’s improvement. As reported by n-tv.de, the bond between the player and the city of Milan—which he has previously described as a “childhood love”—appears to have been a significant factor in his decision to postpone retirement once again.
Key Career Milestones
| Achievement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Champions League Titles | 6 |
| World Footballer of the Year | 2018 |
| Contract Expiration | Mid-2027 |
| Birthday | September 9 (turning 41) |
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