Modric: 'When you join Milan, you can feel the club's history'
Quick summary
Luka Modric has joined AC Milan, becoming their new midfield signing from Real Madrid. He expressed admiration for the club's history and tradition.
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Attributed to original sourceLuka Modric has explained why he chose Milan over other options after leaving Real Madrid, saying the weight of the club’s past was obvious from the moment he walked in.
According to an interview with Spanish outlet Marca, with quotes via MilanNews.it , the Croatian sees clear parallels between the two clubs he has served.
“The expectations here are very high too. Milan are one of the best clubs in the world, a historic club that maybe in recent years haven’t got the results everyone was used to, but that doesn’t change the fact that they’re still a huge club and one of the most loved in the world,” he said.
“When you arrive here, you feel it. You breathe in Milan’s history. You feel it here at the training ground too. How many legends and how many great players have played here…”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 24: Luka Modric of AC Milan looks on after the Serie A match between AC Milan and Cagliari Calcio at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Modric reveals Milan were his boyhood favourites in Serie A The 41-year-old added that the decision was made easier by an attachment formed long before his professional career.
“When I was a child watching Italian football, Milan were my favourite team. So several things came together that made the decision easier after Real Madrid, because I’ve always felt great affection and respect for Milan. When that opportunity came up after Madrid, I didn’t have many doubts.”
On the season ahead, Modric was direct about what went wrong last term.
“Do better than last year. For a long time we did very well, we were more or less in the title race until March, then in the final games we almost threw everything away and we couldn’t qualify for the Champions League. That was a hard blow for Milan, because Milan, for their history, have to play at least in the Champions League every year. They’re the second club with the most titles after Real Madrid.”
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 28: Luka Modric of Milan runs with the ball under pressure from Kike Perez of Venezia during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Venezia FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 28, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Milan have overhauled both squad and dugout this summer, and Modric said the club’s stance was central to his own decision to stay .
“This year there have been a lot of changes in the squad, a new coach, quite a few new players, and the club considered me an important part of the project. They wanted me here and that’s why I stayed. I want to compete, give everything and try to bring Milan back to winning. All together. One player alone can’t do it.”
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What happened
Luka Modric has completed a move to AC Milan, arriving from Real Madrid as a marquee midfield addition. The Croatian veteran spoke about the privilege of joining a club with such deep history and the responsibility that comes with wearing the Rossoneri shirt. Modric's arrival represents a significant statement signing for Milan, who are looking to strengthen their squad with experienced, high-quality players. His move ends a long and decorated chapter at Real Madrid, where he won multiple Champions League and La Liga titles.
Chance analysis
Modric's arrival at Milan is more than a routine transfer — it signals the Italian side's ambition to compete at the highest level by bringing in a Ballon d'Or winner still performing at the top of European football. Even at 39, the Croatian brings elite control, passing range, and big-game temperament to a Milan midfield that has been searching for a genuine conductor. For Serie A, his presence adds star power and credibility to a league still rebuilding its reputation. For Real Madrid, it closes the book on one of the great midfield careers of the modern era.
Milan gain an elite playmaker and veteran leader in midfield, boosting both their creative output and dressing room presence.