Modric: ‘Milan must not be content’ with Champions League place | OneFootball

Luka Modric reveals why he has supported Milan since childhood and hopes to follow in Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s footsteps. ‘We mustn’t be content just with qualifying for the Champions League.’

The veteran midfielder turns 40 next month, but after 13 years at Real Madrid where he won it all including the Ballon d’Or, he wanted one last challenge.

It was also a childhood dream come true, having supported the Rossoneri since becoming enamoured with the style of his Croatian hero Zvonimir Boban.

“I grew up watching Italian football and Milan was my favourite team in Italy, especially as they had my idol Boban, so I always had a particular affection for the Rossoneri,” he revealed in his presentation press conference.

“I used to talk to Boban about Milan whenever we met up. I saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while Carlo Ancelotti also spoke highly about Milan. I always had this very positive impression of the club and its fans. The welcome I received was remarkable.”

He signed a one-year contract with an option to extend to June 2027.

Modric supported AC Milan since childhood

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 11: Luka Modric of Real Madrid CF looks on during the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

This event was delayed because he had to finish his Real Madrid commitments in the FIFA Club World Cup, then go on a three week vacation before starting pre-season training today.

“We remember Milan as one of the best teams in the world. We mustn’t be content just with a mediocre season or qualifying for the Champions League.

“That is my vision of Milan, but we must also be humble, work hard to get the team back to the highest level. I am very competitive and I want to bring this to the team.

“The minimum objective is to qualify for the Champions League, but Milan must also fight to win trophies. It is my objective, and must be for anyone who works at Milan.”

They finished last term with a trophy, the Supercoppa Italiana, but lost the Coppa Italia Final to Bologna and failed to qualify for any UEFA tournament.

This will at least give new coach Max Allegri time to work with his players in training throughout the week and focus all their energy on Serie A.

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Luka Modrić poses at the Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Galería de Cristal on April 21, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)

“I can offer my experience. I will work hard, give my all and try to do the same things that I did elsewhere,” continued Modric.

“I know there are big expectations around me, but I am ready for that. I cannot wait to start this challenge. I watch a lot of Serie A, also because there are so many Croatian players, and I always enjoyed Italian football. It is very competitive and getting back to the era where it was the best tournament in the world.

“The teams are really well-organised and this makes it different to LaLiga. I must adapt quickly to this style of football. I can’t wait to get to meet Allegri, he is one of the best coaches in the world, a winner.”

Milan director of sport Igli Tare flew to Croatia in order to personally present the project to Modric, a gesture that further intrigued him.

“It was a very easy choice once Tare called and when he came to Croatia, it showed how much Milan really believed I could still perform at the highest level. That was a turning point for me,” confessed the player.

“I needed time to talk to my family, but in my heart I already knew this was the best choice. I saw the faith they had in me.”

TOPSHOT – Croatia’s midfielder #10 Luka Modric reacts during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Croatia and Albania at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on June 19, 2024. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP) (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

Although Modric turns 40 in September, the last player of that age to represent Milan was Ibrahimovic, and he won the Scudetto.

“I hope something similar can happen, I’d be very happy,” he replied.

Among the highlights for a dismal campaign last year was a Champions League victory away to Real Madrid.

“Clearly, last season did not go well for Milan, but that is in the past now. We must work hard and look to the future with confidence. If Milan play the way they did at the Bernabeu last season, we must understand why they couldn’t always play like that. It means the level of quality is high and we need to keep it like that constantly.”

Ivan Rakitic wrote on social media that Milan are ‘so lucky to have’ Modric, but the Croatian legend feels differently.

“I am lucky to be part of this enormous club like Milan, and I take nothing for granted. I do not see myself as someone special, I am just a normal guy who likes to play football and am fortunate enough to play for a big club like Milan.

“I can’t wait to start this new adventure, I am fired up and hope it can go along with my expectations. It is a great sensation to be able to help the team, but one player cannot do anything by himself, no matter what his name is. We must create a team, within which the individuals can give their best,” concluded Modric.