Julius OkorieReal Madrid legend Luka Modric is on the verge of undergoing medical, after agreeing to join Serie A giants AC Milan after the Club World Cup.
The 39-year-old will leave the Bernabeu after 13 years when his contract expires at the end of the month.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe has a final shot at adding another piece of silverware to an already trophy-ladden spell in the Spanish capital after being included in Madrid’s squad for the expanded tournament.
The Croatian midfielder does not want to make the move to Milan official yet because he wants to keep full focus on Madrid and he could feature in the US under former team-mate and new boss Xabi Alonso.
But he will complete a medical and the final formal steps needed for a switch after the Club World Cup, according to Fabrizio Romano.
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Modric was given an emotional send off by Los Blancos fans following his side’s final home game of the season last month after it was announced that his contract would not be extended another year.
Modric was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS but he decided to remain in Europe, and intends to feature for Croatia at next year’s World Cup.
Although he will turn 40 in September, he made 57 appearances for Carlo Ancelotti’s side last year, including 35 in the league.
In April, the former Ballon d’Or winner shocked fans by joining Swansea as an investor and co-owner.
A shock transfer to Rangers had also been touted but he will move to Italy in the summer.
During his time at Real the Croatian made 591 appearances, scoring 43 goals and providing 95 assists.
He also won six Champions Leagues, four LaLiga titles, two Copa del Reys and five Club World Cups.
Milan missed out on European qualification last season after sinking to a disappointing eighth-place finish – a huge decline from being Serie A runners-up in 2023-24.
Meanwhile, Madrid face Saudi side Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18 as they begin their Club World Cup campaign. Subsequently the five-time winners of the old model Club world Cup will face Mexican club Pachuca and then RB Salzburg.
Los Blancos have won the tournament, albeit the previous downsized version, on five occasions, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history. They last won it in 2022, beating Al-Hilal 5-3 in the final.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
