Luka Modric published a post on his Instagram profile last night, thanking the AC Milan fans in what can be seen as a farewell message.
Just a few weeks ago, when Champions League qualification seemed like a certainty (sort of), reports suggested that Modric was keen on staying at Milan. However, due to the Rossoneri’s failure to qualify for the competition, it seems he could retire instead.
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That hypothesis was certainly fueled, at least in our eyes, with a message that Modric posted on his Instagram last night. He thanked the Milan fans for their support throughout the season, and again, it feels more like a farewell to us.
“A season with beautiful moments and difficult moments, but at the end, we had to face the harsh reality and admit that it didn’t end as we wanted! I’d like to thank all the Milan fans from the bottom of my heart for the affection, respect and great support they’ve shown me during the whole year!
Forza Milan ❤️🖤,” he wrote.
The situation should become clearer in the coming weeks as Modric’s contract will expire at the end of June. Of course, his full focus will now shift to the World Cup with Croatia, but you would imagine that he wants to announce a decision before that.
…….I see
Celebrating the Instagram post and calling it the “end of a romantic era” is a gross oversimplification. Modric chose the timing cleverly he knows the club is in turmoil after Allegri departure and Cardinale floundering. His emotionally astute Instagram post shifted the entire psychological burden and blame from Modric to the management. Now, the fans won’t be angry with Luka, but rather with Cardinale. When a player of his experience sees Cardinale struggling between cutting costs and facing the specter of fan anger after missing out on a Champions League spot, he immediately understands that the environment is unhealthy for success. Staying would have meant sinking into a dark and harsh transitional season, while leaving now ensures he exits as the “tragic hero” who loved the club but was let down by circumstances. He cannot allow himself to become a “scapegoat” or a “patchwork” by a new coach arriving to rescue Milan from its slump. Modric knew his stock at the club was about to plummet, so he decided to take control of the narrative himself, rather than wait for press leaks claiming that “Milan’s management is refusing to renew the veteran star’s contract.”
This was a shrewd preemptive move to preserve his footballing pride before he found himself completely out of the picture.
The decision to trigger the extension is on Modric? This is in his contract. 1+1, the +1 can be triggered by him.
What you wrote is wrong.
You’re right, Max, but he didn’t want to stay even when he was offered a contract extension.
I was referencing the part that he did it so he can avoid the talk of management refusing to extend his contract. Can’t happen. Now, him choosing not to is probably true. Still not impossible, depends on a lot of factors, like who is the new manager.
Well said! Modric is a smart guy. Plus, you know, he made it clear (based on media reports) that one of his requirements for renewal is Allegri stay. So, it’s fair and square. Now Jashari and Ricci will have more opportunities. If they failed, I guess we’ll be saying goodbye to both
Thanks for a great year.
Too bad you were let down by your teammates.
Its time for a real overhaul of this squad.
Tomori, Leao, Gimenes and all others who cant even keep an average consistency has to go.
The blame is on the management for certain things but loosing out on a CL spot against Cagliari, saussulo and other crap teams we lost points against is the players fault.
Forza Milan ❤️🖤