Luka Modric has committed to a second season at AC Milan, signing a one-year contract extension at the age of 40 — with the Croatian set to turn 41 in September.

Modric arrived at Milan last summer on an initial one-year deal that included an option to extend, having ended his 13-year association with Real Madrid. During his debut campaign, he contributed two goals in 37 appearances, though the season proved disappointing overall: AC Milan finished fifth in Serie A and exited the Coppa Italia at the last-16 stage.

Modric's message to the fans

The midfielder expressed his delight at staying in Italy. "I am thrilled to stay at AC Milan, where you made me feel welcomed and loved from the very first day," he said. "After a season below our expectations, the desire to bounce back is immense. A new season and a new challenge await us — a project I believe in and that motivates me."

Modric added: "I'm ready to continue to give everything again for this shirt and I'm so proud to keep wearing these colours. Can't wait to return to San Siro and feel your roar."

A decorated career at the highest level

The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner collected six UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga titles during his time at Real Madrid. Before moving to Spain, he made 160 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur over four seasons in north London.

Internationally, Modric has just featured at his fifth World Cup, where Croatia were eliminated in the last 32 by Portugal. As captain since 2016, he guided the nation to the final in 2018 and a third-place finish four years later.

New head coach at the helm

This season, Modric will work under Ruben Amorim, the former Manchester United head coach who was appointed at AC Milan in June following the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri.

The club paid tribute to Modric in a statement, describing him as "a key figure in the Rossoneri midfield" who has "brought his experience and quality to the service of the team, both on and off the pitch, with humility and great passion." AC Milan added that "one of the finest and most iconic players in world football" would continue his journey at the club "with the ambition to reach new, important milestones."