Luka Modrić (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Luka Modrić is reportedly close to extending his career at AC Milan, with family, Ruben Amorim and the club's long-term plans influencing his decision.
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Luka Modrić's playing career may not be over after all. Although Croatia's World Cup exit appeared to signal the beginning of the end for the legendary midfielder, reports from Italy suggest he is now leaning towards spending another season at AC Milan.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 40-year-old is close to accepting a new contract that would keep him at San Siro for the 2026/27 season, allowing him to celebrate his 41st birthday as an active player.
Journalist Luca Bianchin reports that Milan's management has made it clear they still see Modrić as one of the pillars of the project despite the club missing out on Champions League qualification.
Cardinale and Amorim want him to stay
Milan owner Gerry Cardinale is said to have personally assured Modrić that the club wants him to remain an important part of the squad. According to the report, Cardinale continues to view Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot, Christian Pulisic, and Modrić as key figures around whom the team will be built.
New head coach Ruben Amorim has also reportedly spoken directly with the Croatian captain, explaining his tactical plans and making it clear that he wants the veteran midfielder to remain at the club.
Although the previous extension option expired on June 30, Milan are reportedly prepared to offer Modrić a fresh one-year contract.
Family also influencing the decision
Football is not the only factor behind Modrić's reported change of heart.
According to the Italian newspaper, one important reason for staying is his daughter Ema, who currently plays for AC Milan's Under-13 team. The family has settled comfortably in Milan, making another season at the club an attractive option both professionally and personally.
Modrić had hoped to experience at least one Champions League campaign with Milan, and missing out on qualification initially made him question his future. However, the opportunity to help return one of Europe's biggest clubs to the elite has reportedly become a new source of motivation.
A different role next season
If he stays, Modrić's role will change under Amorim.
Unlike Massimiliano Allegri's more conservative system, Amorim favours a higher-tempo, more attacking style of football. Milan are expected to manage Modrić's workload carefully, selecting the matches where his experience will have the greatest impact.
Some games would see him start before being substituted early. In contrast, in others he would be introduced during the final half-hour, much as he was during the closing stages of his Real Madrid career.
After Croatia's painful World Cup exit to Portugal, Modrić is expected to take several weeks to recover before reporting for pre-season ahead of the new Serie A campaign, which begins on August 23.