Soccer: Modric Says ‘Happy’ to Sign for Milan

Milan: Croatia great Luka Modric said Monday he was “happy” to sign for AC Milan after his move from Real Madrid. “I’m happy to be here. Big challenges await me, but there will be time to discuss them. I’m very happy to start a new chapter in my career. Why AC Milan? Because it’s a great club,” were the first words the nearly 40-year-old midfield legend uttered on the club’s social media channels after signing a year-long contract with the seven-time European champions after 14 glorious years with the 15-time European champs, after Real crashed out of the Club World Cup to PSG 4-0 in the semis, before PSG lost 3-0 to Chelsea in the final Sunday night.

According to Ansa News Agency, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, who won 28 major trophies at Madrid, including six UEFA Champions League titles, four La Liga titles, and two Copa del Rey titles, making him the most decorated footballer in the club’s history, joins the Rossoneri after he passed a medical earlier Monday. The 2018 World Cup finalist and Golden Ball winner has signed with AC for a year, on undisclosed terms.

Smiling, in a blue suit and white polo, Modric sealed the start of a new footballing life. He will now take a few days off after his commitments with Real Madrid at the Club World Cup, and is expected to be available to Massimiliano Allegri between August 4th and 5th. He won’t be there for the Asia-Pacific tour, but he’ll start work two weeks before the new AC Milan’s first official match, the Coppa Italia tie against Bari on August 17th at San Siro. Modric turns 40 on September 9.