Luka Modric is so eager to begin his new chapter at AC Milan that he’s preparing to shorten his vacation and arrive at Milanello ahead of schedule. According to reports close to the player, the 38-year-old midfield legend plans to touch down in Italy by the end of July, several days before the Rossoneri return from their summer tour in Asia.
The Croatian star is currently completing a grueling season with Real Madrid, including the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. If Madrid reaches the final, Modric could remain in the US until July 13. Despite this marathon campaign, one that has seen him play over 60 matches across all competitions, Modric is determined to be ready for Milan’s Serie A opener on the weekend of August 23-24.
Typically, players in similar situations enjoy four weeks of holiday to recharge. But Modric, who has spent the past 12 months in near-constant action, appears committed to returning after just three weeks off. It’s a testament to his professionalism and passion for joining Milan, a club he has admired since childhood.
Massimiliano Allegri, back in charge of Milan, plans to deploy Modric primarily in front of the defense as a deep-lying playmaker. This positioning will allow the former Ballon d’Or winner to orchestrate the team’s tempo and bring balance to a squad undergoing several changes this summer. Rather than operating on the right or left of midfield, Modric is expected to anchor the central area and guide younger teammates.
During the 2024-25 season, Modric played 35 La Liga matches, 17 of them as a starter, along with 14 Champions League appearances and a mix of domestic and international cup games. If he features in the final two Club World Cup fixtures, he will have logged an incredible 64 matches in a single season, an achievement almost unheard of for a player nearing 40.
Those who have followed Modric’s career know that his drive is no surprise. The midfielder has often spoken about his meticulous approach to life, both on and off the pitch. In his autobiography, he wrote: “As a child, I was always organized. I like everything to be in its place. When I come home, I notice immediately if something has moved.”
It’s this same discipline that Milan hopes will inspire a squad looking to return to the top of Italian football. After a season of ups and downs, Allegri and the club’s leadership believe Modric’s arrival could be a defining moment, bringing experience, class, and the hunger to win more trophies before he eventually retires.
Alongside Modric, Milan is also waiting for the arrival of striker Santiago Gimenez, who is currently competing internationally. Both are expected at Milanello before the end of July to start preparations for what promises to be an ambitious campaign.
Few players at this stage of their careers would forgo time off to jump straight into a new challenge. But Luka Modric has always operated on his own terms. Now, the Rossoneri faithful are eager to welcome him to the club and see if his trademark precision can bring Milan back to glory.
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