Midfielder Luka Modric, now at the age of forty, will continue his active playing career after agreeing to a one-year contract extension with Italian professional football club AC Milan.

AC Milan announced on the 24th (Korean time) that they have signed a new one-year deal with Modric.

With this agreement, Modric will grace the pitch for another year until June 2027.

A native of Croatia, Modric spent 13 years at Real Madrid in Spain before signing a one-year contract with AC Milan last summer, which included an extension option.

During the 2025-2026 season, AC Milan finished fifth in Serie A and were eliminated in the round of 16 of the Coppa Italia.

However, Modric performed his role well, making 37 appearances and scoring two goals.

Modric said, "I am truly happy to stay at AC Milan. From day one, they made me feel welcomed and loved." He added, "After a season that fell short of expectations, my desire to bounce back is immense."

He further stated, "I will give everything once again for this shirt. I cannot wait to return to San Siro and hear your cheers."

Modric, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, won six UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga titles with Real Madrid.

Before that, he played 160 matches over four years at Tottenham Hotspur.

At the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, he stepped onto the World Cup stage for the fifth time as the captain of Croatia.

Since Modric took over as national team captain in 2016, Croatia achieved runner-up status at the 2018 Russia World Cup and finished third at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Before the new season, AC Milan dismissed manager Massimiliano Allegri and newly appointed Ruben Amorim, who previously managed Manchester United.

Modric is set to embark on a new challenge under the leadership of manager Amorim.

(Photo: Getty Images)