# Luka Modrić's role and contract extension at AC Milan > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ac-milan-signals-longterm-commitment-for-both-player-and-manager-as-champions-league-ambitions-grow > Updated: 2026-09-13T12:02:53.000Z. Sources: 283. Developments: 59. Following his decision to retire from international duty after the 2026 World Cup, Luka Modrić has extended his contract with AC Milan through June 30, 2027. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 40-year-old stated he delayed the signing to ensure he remained ‘hungry for success’ and felt ‘fantastic’ about continuing. He cited the club’s ‘confidence and affection’ as primary motivators and expressed a desire to win a trophy in memory of club legend Franco Baresi. During AC Milan’s pre-season tour in Perth, Australia, Modrić was welcomed by the local Croatian community and played approximately thirty minutes in a friendly against Inter Milan, where he received the captain’s armband from coach Rubén Amorim. Following the tour of Australia and Indonesia, Modrić drew media attention for his professionalism by opting for a commercial Ryanair flight from Zadar to Milan rather than a private jet, ensuring his timely return to training at Milanello. As the 2026/2027 season progressed, Modrić’s role under Amorim’s high-intensity 3-4-3 system has drawn scrutiny. Following a 2-2 draw against Lazio, where Modrić was substituted at halftime, Amorim noted that the player struggles in ‘high-intensity, transition-heavy matches’. Consequently, reports suggest Modrić may start on the bench for Milan’s Europa League debut against Benfica to accommodate a more physical midfield. Amidst these tactical shifts, Modrić recently celebrated his 41st birthday. Despite his age, he has confirmed his intention to continue playing for the Croatian national team under new coach Slaven Bilić for upcoming Nations League matches against Spain and England. His personal trainer, Vlatko Vučetić, attributes his continued fitness to a rigorous regime of approximately 350 training sessions per year. ## Claims - AC Milan is negotiating the transfer of Rafael Leão with Turkish club Fenerbahçe. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Luka Modrić arrived in Perth to join AC Milan’s pre‑season camp. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Modrić’s contract with AC Milan was extended until the summer of 2027. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Milan’s asking price for Leão is around €60 million, while Fenerbahçe’s offers range from €40 million to €46 million. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Hundreds of fans greeted Modrić at the hotel and airport in Perth. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Coach Ruben Amorim said Modrić’s experience will help young players develop and aid Milan’s possession style. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Leão wants to play in the Champions League, a factor influencing his transfer decision. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Milan players Ardon Jashari, Koni De Winter and Alexis Saelemaekers are also in the Perth pre‑season camp. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Luka Modrić won the Ballon d’Or in 2018. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Milan are considering Brahim Díaz as a possible replacement for Leão. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Modrić will earn about €3.5 million net per year under his renewed contract. (single source) - Modrić plans to retire from the Croatian national team after the Nations League match on 6 October. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: Luka Modrić faces tactical challenges at AC Milan Luka Modrić faces tactical scrutiny at AC Milan, while Luka Tunjić joins NK Osijek and Radnički 1923 claims victory over Mladost Lučane amid administrative disputes. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mladost-luani-signs-former-serbian-international-filip-mladenovi ### 2026-09-09: Luka Modrić celebrates 41st birthday and confirms continued football career Croatian football star Luka Modrić celebrates his 41st birthday, confirming he will continue playing for AC Milan and the Croatian national team despite his age. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-celebrates-41st-birthday ### 2026-08-29: Luka Modrić draws mixed reviews in AC Milan victory Luka Modrić's performance in AC Milan's 2-0 win over Venezia has split Italian media, with critics and supporters debating his impact as he nears his 41st birthday. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-draws-mixed-reviews-in-ac-milan-victory ### 2026-08-27: Luka Modrić receives mixed reviews after AC Milan victory Luka Modrić received mixed reviews from Italian media following his performance in AC Milan's 2-0 win over Venezia under new manager Ruben Amorim. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-receives-mixed-reviews-after-ac-milan-victory ### 2026-08-13: Ardon Jashari discusses relationship with Luka Modrić AC Milan midfielder Ardon Jashari praised teammate Luka Modrić’s leadership and winning mentality, expressing hope to play more closely with the veteran during the upcoming season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ardon-jashari-discusses-relationship-with-luka-modri ### 2026-08-12: Luka Modrić returns to Milan via commercial flight Luka Modrić has been praised for his professionalism after choosing a commercial Ryanair flight to return to Milan for training, opting for a standard economy trip over a private jet. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-returns-to-milan-via-commercial-flight-for-training ### 2026-08-07: Luka Modrić hailed by fans as AC Milan trains in Perth Luka Modrić impressed fans during AC Milan’s Perth camp, playing a friendly vs Inter, extending his contract to 2027 and receiving the captain’s armband. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-hailed-by-fans-as-ac-milan-trains-in-perth ### 2026-08-05: Luka Modrić signs new deal with AC Milan through 2027 Luka Modrić has renewed his AC Milan contract until 2027, citing fitness, club loyalty and a goal to win trophies for the late Franco Baresi. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-extends-ac-milan-contract-and-enjoys-holiday-in-zadar ### 2026-08-01: AC Milan's Perth preseason sees Modrić arrival and ongoing Leão transfer negotiations Modrić joins Milan’s Perth camp, contract to 2027; Milan honor Baresi, thicken midfield. Transfer talks for Leão with Fenerbahçe hover around €50‑60 m, player wants Champions League, Brahim Díaz eyed as backup. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modric-joins-ac-milan-squad-in-perth-ahead-of-new-season ### 2026-07-29: Luka Modric extends contract with AC Milan as coach outlines squad role Luka Modric re‑signed with AC Milan for another year; coach Ruben Amoril highlighted his mentorship role while teammate Strahinja Pavlovic praised his professionalism. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modric-extends-contract-with-ac-milan-as-coach-outlines-squad-role ### 2026-07-26: Luka Modrić's Longevity Highlighted in Milan Pre‑Season and Diet Luka Modrić, soon 41, remains key for AC Milan as coach Ruben Amorim lauds his experience ahead of a Perth pre‑season match, while a lavish diet shared by chef Gordon Lenni highlights the fitness regime behind 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modris-longevity-highlighted-in-milan-preseason-and-diet ### 2026-07-26: Luka Modrić celebrates AC Milan signing with elaborate gourmet dinner Luka Modrić marked his new AC Milan contract with an elaborate gourmet dinner prepared by Italian chef Gordon Lenni, featuring multiple courses from focaccia to ribeye steak and tiramisu. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-celebrates-ac-milan-signing-with-elaborate-gourmet-dinner ### 2026-07-24: Luka Modrić signs extension with AC Milan through 2027 Luka Modrić has renewed his AC Milan contract until June 2027, staying at the club through the 2026‑27 season at age 40, after a strong 2025‑26 campaign. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-extends-ac-milan-contract-until-2027 ### 2026-07-23: Luka Modrić enjoys summer at Kožino villa while contemplating his future club Luka Modrić holidays at his Kožino villa in Croatia while weighing options to stay at Milan, move clubs, or retire at Real Madrid, with his wife preferring a return to Spain. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-enjoys-summer-at-koino-villa-while-contemplating-his-future-club ### 2026-07-22: Luka Modric signs contract extension with AC Milan until June 2027 Luka Modrić has extended his contract with AC Milan until 30 June 2027, earning about €3.5 million net a year, as the 41‑year‑old veteran prepares for another Serie A season under coach Rúben Amorim. 75 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-to-extend-contract-with-ac-milan-for-another-season ### 2026-07-20: Luka Modric signs one-year extension with AC Milan Luka Modrić, Croatia’s veteran midfielder, has agreed a one‑year deal with AC Milan through June 2027 and will retire from international duty after Croatia’s October Nations‑League match. 50 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modric-agrees-oneyear-extension-with-ac-milan ### 2026-07-18: Luka Modrić’s future with Croatia and AC Milan under review Coach Slaven Bilić urges Luka Modrić to stay with Croatia, while AC Milan prepares a one‑year extension; a farewell match versus Spain on 6 Oct is being discussed. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-weighs-continued-role-for-croatia-and-ac-milan ### 2026-07-15: Lončarević urges swift decision on Luka Modrić’s future in Croatian national team Ilija Lončarević says Croatia must decide quickly on Luka Modrić’s role, urging clear action before Euro 2028 preparations under new coach Slaven Bilić. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lonarevi-urges-swift-decision-on-luka-modris-future-in-croatian-national-team ### 2026-07-14: Luka Modrić Nears New Contract with AC Milan Luka Modrić, age 41, is set to renew with AC Milan on a one‑year deal similar to last season’s €3.5‑4 million, pending final approval before joining the Australia pre‑season tour. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-nears-new-one-year-deal-with-ac-milan-ahead-of-australian-tour ### 2026-07-10: Luka Modrić Nears Decision on Staying with AC Milan Luka Modrić is close to deciding whether to stay at AC Milan under a new contract or move into a non‑playing role at Real Madrid. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-nears-decision-on-staying-with-ac-milan ### 2026-07-08: Luka Modrić to Extend Contract with AC Milan Luka Modrić is likely to trigger his contract option, staying at AC Milan through 2026‑27 as coach Rubén Amorim pledges to keep the veteran; he also promotes the CoinW crypto platform. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-set-to-extend-contract-with-ac-milan-as-coach-vows-to-keep-him ### 2026-07-06: Luka Modric's Milan future debated as Croatia exits World Cup After Croatia's World Cup loss, Luka Modric's future at Milan is under review, while Inter's Petar Sucic draws €60 million interest from top European clubs. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modrics-milan-future-debated-as-croatia-exits-world-cup ### 2026-07-03: Luka Modrić Nears One-Year Contract Extension with AC Milan Luka Modrić is close to signing a one‑year extension with AC Milan after personal talks with coach Ruben Amorim, with an official decision expected shortly. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modric-contract-talks-with-ac-milan-intensify ### 2026-07-03: Luka Modrić’s future uncertain after Croatia’s World Cup exit After Croatia’s World Cup loss, Luka Modrić left the squad for a holiday; Milan is negotiating a new contract as his June 30 deal expired. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-faces-uncertainty-after-croatias-world-cup-2026-exit-and-freeagent-status ### 2026-07-03: Croatia Beats Portugal 1‑0 as Ivan Perišić Scores in World Cup 2026 Ivan Perišić scored in the 53rd minute to put Croatia ahead 1‑0 over Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, prompting Portugal to chase an equaliser. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-beats-portugal-10-as-ivan-perii-scores-in-world-cup-2026 ### 2026-07-02: Croatia‑Portugal World Cup tie puts Milan’s Modrić and Leão futures on hold The Croatia‑Portugal World Cup round‑of‑16 will shape AC Milan’s decisions on midfielder Luka Modrić and forward Rafael Leão, with the club weighing contracts after the match; teammate Vitinha praised Modrić. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatiaportugal-world-cup-tie-puts-milans-modri-and-leo-futures-on-hold ### 2026-06-28: Croatia captain Modric rules out Real Madrid move as he eyes retirement Modric confirms retirement thoughts and denies Real Madrid rumors; Hamsik lauds Zieliński and names France, Portugal, Argentina as top World Cup contenders. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-captain-modric-rules-out-real-madrid-move-as-he-eyes-retirement ### 2026-06-28: Croatia beats Ghana to reach World Cup last‑32 Croatia defeated Ghana 2‑1 in Philadelphia, with a late Vlašić header from Modrić’s corner, to reach the World Cup last‑32 and earn a round‑of‑16 tie against Portugal. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-reaches-world-cup-last-32-as-modric-caps-winning-assist ### 2026-06-24: Luka Modrić to retire after 2026 World Cup, eyes Real Madrid role Luka Modrić plans to retire after the 2026 World Cup, may return to Real Madrid in a non‑playing role, while AC Milan hints at a limited‑minutes stay. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-to-retire-after-2026-world-cup-eyes-real-madrid-role ### 2026-06-24: Luka Modrić celebrates 200th appearance for Croatia national team Luka Modrić earned his 200th cap for Croatia in a 1‑0 win over Panama in Toronto, joining an elite group of players with 200+ international appearances. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-celebrates-200th-appearance-for-croatia-national-team ### 2026-06-24: Luka Modrić celebrates 200th Croatia cap in Toronto ceremony Luka Modrić hit his 200th Croatia cap in a World Cup match, honored with a #200 jersey and on‑field ceremony in Toronto, sparking talk of his future after Milan missed Champions League. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-celebrates-200th-croatia-cap-in-toronto-ceremony ### 2026-06-24: Luka Modrić Marks 200th Croatia Cap, Mulls Future Role with Real Madrid Luka Modrić celebrated his 200th Croatia cap in the Panama match, joining a select elite, and discussed possible post‑retirement roles with Real Madrid and the Croatian federation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-marks-200th-croatia-cap-mulls-future-role-with-real-madrid ### 2026-06-23: Luka Modrić hits 200 caps as AC Milan future hangs in the balance Luka Modrić reached 200 caps for Croatia and announced retirement from the national team, while AC Milan negotiates a possible one‑year extension under new coach Rúben Amorim. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-weighs-ac-milan-future-after-200th-croatia-cap ### 2026-06-20: AC Milan set to keep midfielder Yunus Musah after loan spell AC Milan will retain Yunus Musah after his Atalanta loan, with manager Ruben Amorim keen on his role, while a lowered price for Morten Hjulmand remains off‑target due to cost and squad considerations. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ac-milan-set-to-keep-midfielder-yunus-musah-after-loan-spell ### 2026-06-19: Rafael Leão’s World Cup struggles raise doubts over Milan future Rafael Leão’s poor World Cup debut fuels speculation on his AC Milan future, with Manchester United linked as a potential destination. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rafael-leos-world-cup-struggles-raise-doubts-over-milan-future ### 2026-06-18: Rafael Leão’s Milan future clouded after lackluster World Cup debut Rafael Leão’s poor World Cup debut sparked criticism; he says he’ll weigh his Milan future after the tournament amid €40 m transfer rumours. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rafael-leos-milan-future-clouded-after-lackluster-world-cup-debut ### 2026-06-17: Luka Modrić faces uncertain club future as Milan stint ends, noted for modest Bentley car Luka Modrić’s one‑year stint at AC Milan ends June 30 with his club future unclear; former teammate Davor Šuker predicts a return to Real Madrid, while the Croatian’s modest Bentley Continental GT highlights a低 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modris-understated-car-collection-and-likely-real-madrid-return ### 2026-06-14: Luka Modrić eyes retirement after World Cup, stays with Milan for 2025‑26 season Luka Modrić focuses on Croatia’s World Cup, hints retirement after the tournament, and will decide on his Milan future when his contract ends on 30 June 2026. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-celebrates-playing-for-ac-milan-and-reflects-on-his-career ### 2026-06-13: Luka Modrić's future at AC Milan tied to new coach and transfer talks Allegri may quit Milan for Napoli, prompting a new coach at Milan that could keep Luka Modrić amid transfer talks and rumors of a Madrid return. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dinamo-zagreb-announces-preseason-fixtures-modris-retirement-undecided ### 2026-06-13: Luka Modric Set to Retire After 2026 World Cup, Likely Ends Club Career Luka Modrić, 40, plans to retire after the 2026 World Cup, with his AC Milan contract ending and offers declined. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modric-set-to-retire-after-2026-world-cup-likely-ends-club-career ### 2026-06-12: Luka Modric's future at AC Milan hangs in the balance after the World Cup Luka Modric’s contract with AC Milan expires June 30; he may renew, retire or join Real Madrid after the World Cup, pending his decision. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-to-leave-ac-milan-and-retire-after-the-world-cup ### 2026-06-11: Real Madrid appoints Jose Mourinho as coach, eyes Luka Modrić's future role Real Madrid hired Jose Mourinho on a deal through 2029, while Luka Modrić may retire and could return to the club in a director role. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-appoints-jose-mourinho-as-coach-eyes-luka-modris-future-role ### 2026-06-11: AC Milan faces possible departures of Youssouf Fofana and Luka Modric AC Milan may lose Youssouf Fofana (valued €35‑40 m) and faces Luka Modric’s uncertain future, with Real Madrid offering a non‑playing role. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/milan-weighs-future-of-fofana-and-modric-amid-squad-overhaul ### 2026-06-11: Modrić's Real Madrid future discussed as Croatia eyes World Cup opener Speculation mounts that Luka Modrić may rejoin Real Madrid after his AC Milan contract ends, while coach Zlatko Dalić reflects on past lineup choices as Croatia gears up for its World Cup opener against England 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/modris-real-madrid-future-discussed-as-croatia-eyes-world-cup-opener ### 2026-06-11: Luka Modrić’s retirement decision pending as Milan awaits new coach, Real Madrid offers director role Luka Modrić weighs retirement, a possible stay at AC Milan under new coach Oliver Glasner, or a director role at Real Madrid after his contract ends 30 June. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modris-retirement-decision-pending-as-milan-awaits-new-coach-real-madrid-offers-director-role ### 2026-06-10: Luka Modric debates playing extension versus director role as AC Milan eyes new coach Luka Modric will decide after the World Cup whether to extend his AC Milan contract or move to a director role at Real Madrid, pending talks with the club’s likely new coach Oliver Glasner. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modrics-future-at-ac-milan-depends-on-new-coach-and-world-cup-outcome ### 2026-06-09: Luka Modrić decides on Milan contract extension before World Cup Luka Modrić faces a decision on his AC Milan contract, with a 45 % chance to stay, as he prepares to lead Croatia at the World Cup, where he may make his final national‑team appearance. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-decides-on-milan-contract-extension-before-world-cup ### 2026-06-05: Luka Modrić awaits AC Milan contract decision as club turmoil deepens Luka Modrić is waiting for a contract offer from AC Milan amid club instability, with speculation he may retire after the World Cup. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-awaits-ac-milan-contract-decision-as-club-turmoil-deepens ### 2026-06-04: AC Milan transfer plans stall amid club turmoil, Goretzka and Gila deals in doubt AC Milan’s internal turmoil freezes planned signings of Leon Goretzka and Mario Gila, prompting Juventus and Napoli to pursue the players. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ac-milan-transfer-market-stalls-after-champions-league-miss ### 2026-06-04: Luka Modrić Expected to Announce Retirement Before World Cup Italian reports say Luka Modrić will retire and announce it before the World Cup, opting out of extending his Milan contract and possibly moving to a post‑playing role in Madrid. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-expected-to-announce-retirement-before-world-cup ### 2026-06-03: Rafael Leão set to leave AC Milan as clubs negotiate €50 m transfer AC Milan values Rafael Leão at €50 m and expects him to depart in the next window, with interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Turkish clubs as he prepares for the World Cup. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rafael-leo-set-to-leave-ac-milan-as-clubs-negotiate-50-m-transfer ### 2026-05-26: Luka Modrić urged by Milan owners to stay for another season Milan’s owner and Zlatan Ibrahimović are trying to convince Luka Modrić to extend his contract for another season, despite the player's hints of retirement after the 2026 World Cup. 68 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-urged-by-milan-owners-to-stay-for-another-season ### 2026-05-25: AC Milan faces overhaul as Modric's future uncertain and transfer plans stall AC Milan missed Champions League, prompting staff dismissals and a costly squad rebuild; Luka Modrić may depart for Croatia’s World Cup or a hybrid role at Real Madrid, while the club eyes Leon Goretzka amid a€ 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ac-milan-faces-overhaul-as-modrics-future-uncertain-and-transfer-plans-stall ### 2026-05-24: Luka Modrić's AC Milan future uncertain after Champions League miss After Milan’s Champions League miss, fans praised Luka Modrić, but the defeat may end his Milan spell, with Real Madrid eyeing a non‑playing role for him. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modris-ac-milan-future-uncertain-after-champions-league-miss ### 2026-05-24: Luka Modric's AC Milan Stay Dependent on Champions League Spot and Coach Allegri Luka Modric will extend his AC Milan contract only if the club qualifies for the Champions League and retains coach Massimiliano Allegri, with his deal expiring June 30. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modrics-ac-milan-stay-dependent-on-champions-league-spot-and-coach-allegri ### 2026-05-22: AC Milan's crucial week: Modrić future, Leão sale, Champions or Europa League prospects AC Milan must decide Luka Modrić's future, consider selling Rafael Leão, and aim for Champions League qualification amid ownership talks and potential offers from Saudi Arabia and Turkey. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ac-milans-crucial-week-modri-future-leo-sale-champions-or-europa-league-prospects ### 2026-05-21: Luka Modric to remain at AC Milan until 2028 Luka Modric will stay with AC Milan until 2028, with the contract tied to Champions League qualification, and may shift to a staff role later, according to coach Allegri. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modric-to-remain-at-ac-milan-until-2028 ### 2026-05-21: AC Milan Pursues Leon Goretzka Signing Ahead of Champions League Qualification AC Milan plans to sign free‑transfer midfielder Leon Goretzka and renew Luka Modrić, contingent on qualifying for the Champions League. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ac-milan-pursues-leon-goretzka-signing-ahead-of-champions-league-qualification ### 2026-05-19: Luka Modrić's Milan Future Hinges on Champions League Guarantees Luka Modrić says he'll stay at AC Milan only if the club secures Champions League qualification and a stable project. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-says-joining-ac-milan-fulfills-his-lifelong-dream --- Cite as: Luka Modrić's role and contract extension at AC Milan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ac-milan-signals-longterm-commitment-for-both-player-and-manager-as-champions-league-ambitions-grow