Luka Modric at AC Milan to ‘stay competitive and in Europe’ at 40

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Croatian midfielder Luka Modric arriving in Milan before signing for AC Milan on July 14.

PHOTO: REUTERS

ROME – Croatia captain Luka Modric said on July 16 that he had penned a one-year contract with AC Milan to “stay competitive and in Europe”.

“I’m happy to be here and I look forward to a new adventure,” the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner told AC Milan’s TV channel after joining from Real Madrid.

Modric, who turns 40 in September, joined the Spanish giants from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, going on to win six Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies.

“I wanted to stay in Europe, to continue playing competitive football. I had some other offers but when Milan showed up for me it was clear from the first moment,” he said.

Fans in Singapore could get an early glimpse of the midfield maestro in a Milan jersey with the Italian giants playing a pre-season friendly against Arsenal at the National Stadium on July 23, as part of the Singapore Festival of Football.

The veteran midfielder won a club-record 28 trophies over 13 years in the Spanish capital, in which he impressed fans of all teams across Spain with his consistent brilliance. The midfielder racked up 597 appearances, scoring 43 times and providing 95 assists.

He won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, becoming the first player not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to do so in over a decade.

Milan finished a disappointing eighth in Serie A last season and will not play in European competition.