Luka Modric and his 40-year-old aspirations

Instead of choosing a new, comfortable destination in the US or Saudi Arabia, Luka Modric decided to move to AC Milan at the age of 40, after nearly two decades of association with top-flight football.

While most of his generation have retired, gone into coaching or retired, Luka Modric has decided to continue his journey to the top. The Croatian midfielder has signed a one-year contract with AC Milan, with the ambition of extending his professional career into his forties.

Glorious career

The summer of 2025 witnessed a historic event for Real Madrid when Luka Modric officially said goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu team. At the age of 40, Modric was no longer a regular choice in coach Carlo Ancelotti's first team last season, but his class and influence in the Real Madrid dressing room are still irreplaceable.

Luka Modric receives the number 14 shirt at AC Milan for a new journey Photo: MILAN FC

During his 12 years with "Los Balncos", Modric won almost every prestigious title: 6 Champions League titles, 4 La Liga championships, 2 King's Cups, 5 European Super Cups and many other titles. The "Golden Ball" award in 2018 is the most convincing proof of the talent and recognition that Modric deserves from experts and colleagues.

Saying goodbye to Real Madrid, Modric closes a glorious chapter in his career. However, instead of resting, Modric will still fight on the field with all his ageless passion.

New challenge in Italy

Not coming to Saudi Arabia to enjoy a few commercial contracts, nor choosing the land of leisure called MLS (USA), Modric surprisingly chose to join AC Milan as a free transfer. A one-year contract with a modest salary of about 3 million euros/season confirms that Modric came to San Siro not to retire but to conquer challenges.

AC Milan is in the process of rejuvenating its squad after winning the 2022 Scudetto title. The "Rossoneri" leadership believes that Modric's experience, class and leadership qualities will greatly help young players such as Filippo Terracciano, Yacine Adli or Tommaso Pobega...

No longer physically fit enough to play continuously like in his prime, but with Modric possessing superb tactical vision and intelligent playing style, coach Massimiliano Allegri can completely use him in the role of regulating the game in big matches.

Inspiring young players

Modric's decision to continue playing football at the age of 40 is a clear answer to those who thought he would "hang up his boots" when he left Real Madrid. Modric chose Serie A - a place that requires a lot of tactics and adaptability.

Not only playing, Modric also wants to inspire the next generation at Milan. In his introduction, he made a simple but inspiring statement: "I still love football, still have the desire to play at the top level. Milan is a challenge but I am ready."

Seeing Modric wearing the red and black striped shirt, many Milan fans thought of Andrea Pirlo - another talented midfielder who made a name for himself at San Siro. At the age of 40, his appearance certainly brings great value both professionally and spiritually.

Not many players can maintain a top-level career until the age of 40 like Luka Modric. Although time waits for no one, for Modric, each upcoming match in the "Rossoneri" shirt will still be a new chapter - a chapter of passion, aspiration and the last moments on the professional field.

Serie A is operating more like an "art stage" model than an industrial machine like the Premier League or Bundesliga. Fans come to the stadium not only to see the results but also to enjoy and watch the players show off their skills with the ball. Looking at the playing style of De Bruyne, Modric or Mkhitaryan in a space optimized for observation and individual skills, people understand that football is not only about youth but also about intelligence and experience.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/luka-modric-va-khat-vong-tuoi-40-196250719204130989.htm