40-year-old Luka Modrić has no intention of stepping down and playing to slacker leagues like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionell Messi. The plan was for the Real Madrid legend to end his career with a World Cup final, and after being eliminated from the World Cup due to an invisible touch in a 2 – 1 loss to Portugal, the time was ripe…. But….

Luca Modric got a good hug from former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronalo, but it couldn’t patch up the wound after Croatia were sent out by Portugal in the round of 16 of the World Cup. Modric has put behind him a season at AC Milan without titles, where even the Champions League ticket slipped in the last league game, but showed with almost 2900 minutes in the match arena that his physique holds. After the exit of the World Cup, Modric was asked if he is retiring. The answer was: “Now is not the time to talk about it. I’ll find out soon.”

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This soon, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, has already arrived. Modric is out of contract after his AC Milan deal expired at the end of June, but it is reported that the 40-year-old is in the process of being persuaded by former Sporting and Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.

AC Milan negotiate with Luka Modrić!

Rúben Amorim, Milan’s new manager, wants to convince Luka Modrić to play at the San Siro for the 2026/27 season.

Luka Modrić can continue at the very highest level for one more season. According to Nicolò Schira, AC Milan are in talks with the experienced Croatian midfielder about an extension at the San Siro.

Modrić is currently without a club after his contract with Milan expired, and is free to negotiate his future. Everything indicates that the option of staying in Italy is gaining more and more weight.

The situation surrounding Modrić has been uncertain since Croatia’s exit in the last eight against Portugal in the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder – one of the great figures of modern European football – was at a crossroads: should he continue or end a legendary career? Milan want to keep him, and the player seems willing to consider an offer that will give him one last season at the top level.

Amorim key player in the negotiations

Milan’s interest in Modrić stems from a very clear idea: to preserve experience, leadership and quality in a squad that will enter a new era under Rúben Amorim’s leadership.

The Portuguese coach, newly hired as Rossoneri boss, is already in direct talks with the Croatian to map out his feelings and what role he could play in the 2026/27 season.

At his age, Modrić is no longer a player who can play every minute or carry the team’s physical burden over an entire season. But his value is still significant in specific situations: reading the game, the ability to control matches and experience from big nights – all these are weighty arguments for a Milan that wants to compete with greater maturity.

The key will be the role. Modrić will have to decide if he accepts a more limited feature – with less playing time, but still real importance in the project.

Not romance – but reason

Milan not only wants to renew a historical name for romantic reasons, but to take advantage of what he can still offer. In even matches, under pressure, on European nights – the Croatian is still a player who can change pace and make possession meaningful.

Amorim’s presence could be decisive in the negotiations. He will build a competitive, intense team with a recognizable identity – but also understands the need for references to accelerate the process. In that context, Modrić appears to be the ideal figure for the transition phase.

Modrić’s decision: Play on – or quit?

Croatia’s exit against Portugal could have been Modrić’s last big international appearance, but it doesn’t have to be the end of his football career.

The midfielder left the World Cup with doubts about his future, aware that any decision at this stage carries a special weight. Retirement was an option, but Milan’s inquiry has changed the picture.

For Modrić, continuing one more season at the San Siro would make sense if the project convinces him. Italy offers a competitive league, but less physically demanding than others. Milan gives him the opportunity to remain at a historic club with significant ambitions.

In addition, a collaboration with Amorim could give him a different role – with a greater focus on managing matches and being an internal leader, rather than accumulating minutes.

One more season – and a goodbye?

Everything indicates that the operation could end with a new one-year contract. The agreement remains to be completed, but the indications point in that direction.

Modrić still has market value, prestige and – above all – football left in him. Milan knows this and wants to capitalize on it before the Croatian makes a final decision on his retirement.

If he signs, it will be one of those renewals that mixes the present and the legacy. Modrić did not want to come to live on the past, but to contribute what he still possesses: intelligence, composure, authority and a competitive instinct that very few players are able to maintain for so long.

Milan want to convince him, Amorim are already working on the case – and the Croatian seems increasingly closer to giving himself one last chance at the top level.

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