Modric hints at extending Milan stay
Luka Modric has expressed his desire to win a trophy with AC Milan despite his contract with the Serie A giant running out at the end of the 2025-2026 season.
Modric joined Milan after a trophy-laden 13-year stint with Real Madrid last summer, putting pen to paper on an initial one-year contract with the option of another 12 months.
The 40-year-old has made 42 appearances in all competitions for the Rossoneri this campaign, netting twice as well as providing three assists for his team-mates.
But even with Modric's know-how of winning silverware, Milan fell short of a major trophy, and has still yet to ensure its qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.
Milan was dumped out of the Coppa Italia in the Round of 16 by beaten finalist Lazio, as well as losing in the semi-finals of the Supercoppa Italiana against Antonio Conte's Napoli.
However, the Croatia captain said he would be open to extending his stay with Milan, but acknowledged the decision was down to the club, rather than himself.
"I am very happy in Milan, but the most important thing now is the match against Cagliari on Sunday [Monday AEST] and [UEFA] Champions League qualification," Modric said.
"For the rest, we will see. I have good relationships with the club, the management and the coach.
"When I chose Milan, it was to help and try to win. This year it has not happened, but it is clear that I would like to win a trophy here with Milan.
Asked whether he could become a future assistant to Allegri, Modric said: "I have a good relationship with him, but we have not talked about that.
"I still love playing football. When I retire will I think about it, and when will I retire? I do not know, let's see after Sunday [Monday AEST]."
Milan faces Cagliari at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza to close out its Serie A campaign, knowing a win is a must to ensure a return to UEFA's flagship competition in 2026-2027.
Como and Juventus are hoping to strike on any slip-ups by Milan or fourth-placed Roma, with Allegri's season-long aim to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
"Let's say that the rhythm of 2026 has been tragic," Allegri said. "We've only earned one point in the last three home games.
"Those are the numbers. We'll face Cagliari with great respect. They have a debutant coach, Pisacane, who has done a great job.
"They've had a good season, and I'm happy because I have a solid bond with Cagliari. With a positive result, we'll qualify for the Champions League."
But ahead of taking on Cagliari, which is 16th in Serie A, questions were raised around Allegri's future at Milan, with his contract at the club running out at the end of next season.
However, should the Rossoneri qualify for the UEFA Champions League, the deal will automatically be extended by one more season.
"The future is tomorrow, and it's the most important game for everyone," Allegri added.
"The stadium will be sold out, and a victory must be a way to thank those who have supported us this season, also during difficult times.
"Those will be a tough 100 minutes. There's a lot of pressure, but we'll need serenity.
"There's only one risk we run: being superficial. The mistake to avoid tomorrow is to face the game with less focus than against Genoa.
"The attitude will be fundamental; we must do the same things we did in Genoa. Everyone talks on social media; we must remain focused on our target despite all the criticism."
