“Big Club Aura’: Luka Modric reveals why he joined AC Milan

Luka Modric has been officially unveiled at AC Milan as the former Real Madrid star begin a new adventure in Seria A.

Modric left Real Madrid last month after the FIFA Club World Cup, and thus marked the end of an era at the Spanish capital. However, despite being offered a deal in the MLS, the Croatia international decided to stay in Europe and it was eventually AC Milan that caught his eye as an ideal option.

AC Milan failed to qualify for Champions League next season and Modric will be tasked with getting them back to the top.

Speaking in a recent interview during his unveiling as a new AC Milan player, the Real Madrid legend spoke on his transfer and what he expected at the club as he opened a new chapter in his career.

“I always say that I love playing football and I enjoy it every day. That’s why I still play. I could have chosen the easier path, another league where the competition is not so demanding, but that’s not my character.”

“I always choose the harder path and that’s why I wanted to come to Milan. The expectations are high here, and the competitiveness is great. This is a big league and that’s why I’m here,” he added.

Luka Modric of AC Milan speaks with the media during press conference at Casa Milan on August 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images)

When asked if he spoke to Carlo Ancelotti before finalising his move to the Rossoneri, Modric said, “Ancelotti? We spoke, and he told me all the best about Milan. He was here as a player and coach, and he told me everything about the club.”

“I have to adapt to the league as quickly as possible. I have played against Italian teams many times, and they are very organised and like to compete,” he added.

He elaborated on the role he will play at the club, saying, “I have to see what the coach wants from me and I will try to do what I always do.”

The Croatian legend was then asked if AC Milan were on the same level as Real Madrid, to which he said, “Milan at that level of Real Madrid? Certainly. When I first came here, you could immediately see how big a club this is. The organisation is at a top level – the people, the fans, the stadium.”

“Everything is top-notch. You can feel the greatness, just like with other big clubs. Seven titles in Europe, second only to Real Madrid, that says a lot,” he added.

Modric was then asked about his ambitions after leaving Real Madrid and why he opted to stay in Europe instead of moving to a cash-rich lower league.

“If I had to leave Real Madrid, I wanted to continue at a big club where expectations are high. It’s a shame that Milan do not play in Europe, because they are the most trophy-winning club after Real Madrid.”

“We have one game a week, maybe that’s not bad because we’ll have the whole week to prepare for the games,” he added.