Luka Modrić is proving once more in Italy that age is merely a number. After a notable 13-year tenure at Real Madrid, the 38-year-old Croatian midfielder departed the Royals in the summer of 2025, with his contract not being renewed.
Upon joining AC Milan, Modrić quickly established himself as a pivotal player and a regular starter. This move has garnered significant acclaim, particularly from Italian football legend Luca Toni. On the podcast “Cose Scomode,” the former Bayern Munich striker expressed his admiration, stating, “Modrić is the best signing of 2025 because he brought quality with him.”
Modrić’s arrival has sparked discussions about veteran players thriving in the Serie A. Toni remarked, “We have seen that great champions like him, even at 38 or 39 years old, can still play in Italy with a cigarette in their mouth.” He noted that although Modrić had the option to move to the United Arab Emirates for a lucrative deal, he opted for the challenge of Italian football instead.
Additionally, Sébastien Frey, a former goalkeeper with extensive experience in Italy, also praised Modrić’s signing. Frey stated, “For me, Modrić was the best transfer in Serie A this year. For every football fan, his arrival is a blessing. We are talking about a world-class player, and world-class players sometimes move elsewhere. But a world-class player who, despite his past at Real Madrid, moves to Italy to join AC Milan, a top club, and still plays at this level—it’s simply wonderful.”
While Modrić initially wished to conclude his career at Real Madrid, being willing to sacrifice salary for this aspiration, his unexpected move to Serie A has proven to be a fortunate development for both the league and AC Milan fans. His presence adds not only experience but also exceptional skill to the Italian football landscape, embodying the potential of seasoned players to continue making significant impacts well into their careers.