Massimiliano Allegri believes signing Luka Modric will "raise the technical level" of AC Milan as they look to improve on last season.

Modric has joined Milan on an initial one-year deal after 13 trophy-laden years at Real Madrid, whom he left after the expiration of his contract following the Club World Cup.

Across all competitions in 2024-25, he set his season-high number of appearances for Madrid (57) and had 13 goal involvements (four goals, nine assists).

Indeed, only in 2021-22 (15) was he involved in more in a single campaign during his time in the Spanish capital.

Only three players made more passes than Modric (2,884) in all competitions for Madrid last season, despite him playing much fewer minutes (2,863) than all of Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni.

And only Vinicius Junior (101) created more chances than the Croatian (99).

Modric has not been included in Milan's squad for their pre-season tour, but Allegri is excited to see the quality that he will bring to the squad.

"Modric will be important for us; he's a champion and will raise the technical level," Allegri told reporters.

"The goal is to return to playing in the Champions League, which won't be easy because there are very well-equipped and competitive teams."

Milan endured a torrid 2024-25 season, finishing eighth in Serie A.

Paulo Fonseca only lasted six months as their head coach, and though his successor, Sergio Conceicao, won the Supercoppa Italiana in just his second game, he departed the club at the conclusion of the campaign.

As a result, Milan will not play in Europe in the upcoming season, just the fourth time this century that they have gone without European football, but Allegri is hoping that will benefit them in their fight for a top-four finish.

"The positive aspect is that playing once a week gives you more time to work, assimilate concepts, and become more of a team," he said.

"The negative aspect is that by not playing in the Champions League, you don't get to play the big games everyone would like to play.

"I look at the glass half full: we have to work hard so that Milan can return to the Champions League next year. I've come back here with enthusiasm and desire.

"I'm focused on the final objective, which is to qualify for the 2026-27 Champions League, which is crucial for the brand and for the club financially."