Luka Modric has arguably been the signing of the season in Serie A, helping Milan turn things around completely, and the Rossoneri are hoping that the successful partnership will lead to a renewal.
As highlighted by today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo at the bottom), the relationship between Modric and Milan can only be described as love at first sight. Ever since he was a kid, the midfielder has looked up to the red and black colours, but you can’t help but notice that the bond has been strengthened.
Indeed, while Zadar is his home and Madrid is the city that made him the iconic player he is, Milano has certainly taken him in with great warmth. It’s a factor that simply cannot be overlooked as Modric soon will make a decision on whether to renew his contract or not.
Modric mania
After the game against Inter on Sunday evening, Modric received a standing ovation from the fans in the stands, and also from his teammates and the management in the locker room. Everyone knows just how much he has meant for the team’s growth; it’s truly undeniable.
Certain games that Mike Maignan and his teammates would let slip in the 2024-25 season are no longer a thing. Modric instils so much confidence in his teammates, using his experience and leadership, that most of the players look revitalised compared to the last campaign.
It’s not exactly a coincidence that Massimiliano Allegri asked the veteran to take control of the ball in the derby, when Inter had started to gain some momentum (around the time of Mkhitaryan’s chance). It worked in one way or another, as he dropped down to start everything in the move to the goal.
When it comes to Modric’s impact, it’s not just about experience and leadership either. Despite turning 40 in September, he showcases the work-rate and athleticism of a 20-year-old, egging on his teammates to work just as hard (if not harder).
Loving life in the city
If Milanello and San Siro have become his footballing habitat, Milano is the city where he and his family live in serenity and privacy. The Croatian isn’t one for nights out, but he lives downtown with his wife Vanja and their kids Ivano, Ema, and Sofia.
He occasionally takes a stroll through the city streets, even though he’s often stopped to take selfies with Milan fans (and even fans of other clubs). For a player who oozes elegance and class, you wouldn’t be wrong to say that the city is perfect for him.
In addition to the lifestyle, he has also fallen in love with Italian cuisine, despite paying particular attention to his diet for years. He has taken on board the advice he received from Milanello and continues to love fish.
Renewal or not?
The future of Modric deserves a chapter of its own. Milan, Allegri, and his teammates are pushing him to trigger the one-year renewal that is already in his contract, which would extend the deadline to the summer of 2027.
On this matter, he remained vague on Sunday, explaining: “I’m very happy here, but I’m not thinking about the future: my mind is only on the work that we need to do.”
At Casa Milan, they are hoping that his approval to stay will come before the World Cup, but they are clearly willing to give him a few more days. Because Modric is… Modric, and the Rossoneri wouldn’t want to be without him next season, the season in which they are returning to the Champions League.
Thought we could trigger an extension?
More reason Alegri needs to integrate Jashari into this team so we don’t have a hole to fill, I know Jashari is exceptional but team chemistry matters a lot.
We can only trigger it with Modric’s approval
If that were the case I’m 100% sure it would have been triggered in September already. 😂😂😂
Think that all depends on
(1) How he is feeling physically and mentally after the World Cup
(2) What this team achieves in the next 10 matches, and
(3) What ambitions the club shows in the coming Summer window.
We aren’t UCL bound 100% yet, but once we are locked in for that, then we can talk about the future. If in the next 10 matches, we somehow fight our way back into Scudetto contention, I can see the conversation with Modric stalling until that is settled.
We are on Modric time, as it always should be for players of his caliber.
hope he extend.. he’s our best player, most minutes & injury free..
c’mon Luka, to be leader, best player & occasionaly captain (maybe) in the of our heart.. give him 10 if he extend