The key reason for Modric's joining Milan has been exposed: His refusal to compete with Real Madrid and the lack of European competitions have become the key to his transfer [xueting]
2025-06-05
On June 5th, Beijing time, multiple media outlets reported that Luka Modric is about to join AC Milan.
According to Marca, the Croatian midfielder has basically decided to leave the end of his career at SAN Siro. The negotiations between the two sides are progressing smoothly and it is expected that a one-year contract will be finalized soon, which includes an option to extend for another year based on performance.
After playing for Real Madrid for many years and failing to renew his contract, Modric couldn't hide his disappointment. He hopes to find a team that can both satisfy his competitive pursuits and carry an emotional sense of belonging, and AC Milan is precisely such an ideal destination. When Modric was a child, he regarded the legendary Milan midfielder Boban as his idol. The two still maintain a deep friendship today, and this relationship has played an important role in his decision-making. For him, putting on the red and black battle robe is not only a career choice, but also a journey to follow the spiritual lighthouse.
Despite receiving offers from multiple clubs, Milan has stood out in many aspects. The team will offer him a core position, and the intense competition in Serie A can also maintain his competitive form. At 39, Modric still hopes to represent Croatia in the 2026 World Cup in top form, and Milan is undoubtedly an important platform to achieve this goal.
It is worth noting that Milan's failure to qualify for European competitions next season has instead become an important factor that prompted Modric to give in. He has always regarded Real Madrid as his spiritual home and cannot accept meeting it as an opponent. Therefore, avoiding European competitions is a kind of "emotional avoidance" for him.
According to the plan, after representing Real Madrid in the Club World Cup, Modric will officially join Milan. His ideal way to bid farewell is to raise the Club World Cup trophy in white and pay his final respects to the Bernabeu.