Luka Modric has expressed his desire to win a trophy with AC Milan despite his contract with the Serie A giants running out at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Modric joined Milan following 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 have still yet to ensure their qualification for next season's Champions League. 

Milan were dumped out of the Coppa Italia in the last 16 by beaten finalists 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 and 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."

Milan face Cagliari at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza to close out their Serie A campaign, knowing a win is a must to ensure a return to UEFA's flagship competition in 2026-27. 

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 Champions League. 

"Let's say that the rhythm of 2026 has been tragic," Allegri told reporters as quoted by Football Italia. "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, who are 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 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."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

AC Milan – Rafael Leao

Cagliari are one of two sides Leao has scored the most goals in Serie A, with six, level with Fiorentina. He is Milan's top scorer in the top flight this season with nine goals, though he will want to get himself into double figures here.

In the three-points-for-a-win era, the Rossoneri have only finished one league campaign without a player reaching double figures, which was in 2018-19 when Krzysztof Piatek was their top scorer with nine goals.

Cagliari – Sebastiano Esposito

Esposito has scored seven goals in Serie A this season and is just one goal away from equalling his best scoring record in a single top-flight campaign (eight in 2024-25).

The 23-year-old is also Cagliari's leading goalscorer and leading assist provider in the current Serie A season (seven goals and five assists).

MATCH PREDICTION: AC MILAN WIN

Milan have lost only one of their last 42 Serie A matches against Cagliari (W31 D10), scoring 83 goals. The Sardinians' only victory in this run was on 28 May 2017.

They have also won 18 of their last 21 home Serie A matches against them. (D3). Cagliari's last league victory at San Siro against the Rossoneri dates back to June 1, 1997.

After their win against Genoa last time out, Milan could win back-to-back Serie A matches for the first time since early March. Furthermore, the Rossoneri could score at least two goals in three consecutive league games for only the second time this season, after doing so last December.

However, Allegri's side have picked up just one point in their last three home league games. The Rossoneri could record four consecutive home matches without a win in Serie A for the first time since between February and April 2021 (D2 L2 on that occasion).

Cagliari, meanwhile, have taken just two points from their last six Serie A away games, failing to score in their most recent two. They could go three consecutive away matches without scoring in the competition for the first time since between November and December 2021.

And both sides may fancy their chances even if they fall behind. Milan and Cagliari have gained the most points from losing positions in Serie A this season, with both earning 14.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

AC Milan – 70.3%

Draw – 17.7%

Cagliari – 12%