39-year-old Magic Flute landed in San Siro: Milan is an unfinished childhood dream, hoping to win the championship with Ibrahimovic

On August 4, 2025, the city of Milan was infuriated by the arrival of a Croatian. At the debut ceremony of Casamilan, 39-year-old Luca Modric wore a red and black shirt with a bright look: "I grew up watching Serie A. Milan is my favorite Italian team. My idol Boban once shined here - now, this is my dream come true." This midfielder who just finished his 13-year Real Madrid career has signed AC Milan as a free agent until 2026, and with a one-year renewal option, he will wear the No. 14 jersey to start his last career.

1. Childhood complex and key 48 hours: The decisive moment behind the transfer

The foreshadowing of Modric joining Milan was laid long ago in his childhood. The glorious years of idol Zvonimir Boban playing for Milan have made Red and Black a synonym for Serie A in his heart. But what ultimately led to the decision was a key action by sports director Igli Tare - he flew to Croatia to meet Modric and explain the team's plan. "His arrival was a turning point, which made me feel Milan's sincerity and trust." Modric admitted that after this meeting, he "had made a choice in his heart" and finalized the signing in just 48 hours.

Despite receiving a high-paid invitation from Miami International and Saudi League, he eventually joined Milan for an annual salary of 3.5 million euros. This contract, which is far lower than the Golden Dollar League, confirms his persistence in the pursuit of competitive athletics.

2. Leader's declaration: "Quality for the Champions League? Milan must fight for the championship!" At the press conference, Modric threw out a loud statement: "Milan cannot be satisfied with qualifying for the Champions League - this club was once the best in the world, we must fight for the trophy!" He did not hide his ambition, but also emphasized humility and unity: "Individuals cannot achieve greatness, no matter how famous they are. We must build a team where everyone does their best."

This statement directly points to Milan's decline in Serie A last season. He cited the high level Milan showed in the Champions League against Real Madrid last season as an example: "If such performance can be transformed into normalcy, it is not empty talk." When asked whether he wanted to follow Ibrahimovic's legend leading the team to win the championship, he smiled and said, "I would be extremely happy if this is the case."

III, the value of 39 years old: locker room totem and tactical puzzle

Although he is almost fortunate, Modric's competitive state is still convincing - the data of 5 goals and 7 assists in 30 games in La Liga last season proves that his fuel tank is not empty. But Milan values much more than this:

- Spiritual Attributes: As the leader of Real Madrid's locker room and captain of the Croatian national team, his professional attitude is a template. "I am just an ordinary person who loves football, only humility, diligence and passion." He responded so when his friend Rakitic said, "Milan doesn't know how lucky he is."

- Tactical adaptation: He clearly expressed his preference for the role of midfield commander, but promised to obey the coach's arrangements: "The interests of the team are always higher than those of the individual." His ability to control the field will greatly alleviate the organizational pressure of Fofana, Ricci and others

- Inheritance mission: The new coach Allegri regards him as the mentor of the young midfielder, and Modric is ready to take responsibility: "It is my honor to help the team."

4. Challenges and hidden worries: age, adaptation and fan rift

Not all red and black fans are happy. When Modric debuted at the flagship store in the city center, some fans shouted the name of former technical director Maldini, protesting the decision-making of the current management. This reveals the emotional rift of the club’s path to revival.

There are also hidden worries at the competitive level:

- Physical fitness level: Serie A's high-intensity confrontation and intensive schedule pose a challenge to the 39-year-old veteran, especially to adapt to the tactical discipline that is very different from La Liga

- Run-in period: Because of participating in the Real Madrid Club World Cup, he missed Milan's pre-season Asian tour, and only had his first training on August 5, with only two friendly matches (versus Leeds United and Chelsea) adjusting his status

- World Cup suspense: He clearly stated that the 2026 World Cup is the goal, but the balance between the club and the national team needs to be carefully controlled

Epilogue: The "midfield equation" in the new chapter of the red and black chapter

From Bernabeu to San Siro, Modric embarked on the final journey with "childhood dreams" as fuel. His joining is like injecting a shot of a heart-warming shot into Milan - here there is the awakening of the championship gene (the dignity of the 7 Champions League giants), the continuation of the tradition of merit (from Boban, Ibrahimovic to the Magic Flute), and the abandonment of short-term utilitarianism.

As the Milan Sports said: "His pass can tear the defense, and his existence itself has written a victory formula for the locker room." When the first match of Serie A, Cremonese, the Golden Baller, who once won the Champions League for 6, begins to answer the last glory equation of his football life.