At 39, Croatian star Luka Modric has signed with AC Milan, aiming to help the Italian giants bounce back from one of their worst seasons in recent memory.

The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner inked a one-year deal with Milan on Monday, with the option to extend for another season. His move comes after a glittering 13-year spell at Real Madrid, where he won 28 titles, including six Champions League trophies, six Club World Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey, and five Spanish Super Cups.

A lifelong Milan fan, Modric admired Croatian legend Zvonimir Boban, who played for the Rossoneri in the 1990s. He had announced in May that he would part ways with Madrid.

Milan, who finished eighth in Serie A last season and failed to qualify for European competition, have brought back Massimiliano Allegri as head coach, replacing the sacked Sergio Conceicao. Allegri previously led Milan to the Serie A title in 2011 and later steered Juventus to five consecutive league titles.

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Before finalising the move, Allegri reportedly consulted Carlo Ancelotti—Modric’s former coach at both Madrid and Milan—about the veteran midfielder’s current form. Milan’s new sporting director, Igli Tare, then visited Croatia’s national team camp last month to complete the signing.

Although the agreement was reached prior to the Club World Cup, Modric could only join Milan after fulfilling his final commitment with Real Madrid in the United States. His last match ended in a 4-0 semifinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Source: Agency