At 40 years old, still distributing elegance like time refuses to touch him, Luka Modrić spoke with rare honesty about leaving Real Madrid and choosing AC Milan.
The Croatian legend — one of the greatest midfielders of his generation — acknowledged that moving away from the Bernabéu was “a step down”… but he insists it was the right move for this stage of his career.

“After Madrid, Anywhere You Go Is a Step Down”

Modrić didn’t hide behind clichés:

“After Real Madrid, I’ve always said it: wherever you go, it’s a step down. There’s no doubt about that.”

After 13 years at the club — where he won absolutely everything, including six Champions Leagues and four LaLiga titles — he was convinced he would retire in white.
He even had a plan: end his career in Madrid at 35.

But his story outgrew every expectation.
He reached 40, still competing at an elite level… and suddenly, Milan appeared.

The Milan “Charm”: History, Shirt, and Childhood Nostalgia

Modrić revealed that his connection with the Rossoneri goes back to childhood, when he grew up watching Serie A and admiring legendary Milan sides.
So when the offer arrived, the decision came naturally:

“I think I joined a club very close to Madrid in reputation and history. It was the ideal situation for me. When the Milan opportunity came, I knew it was the right one.”

The Italian giants signed him on a one-year deal, and within weeks he had already become a key piece for Massimiliano Allegri.
The impact was instant: one goal, two assists, and unanimous praise from Italian supporters.

A Perfect Adaptation

Modrić also highlighted his immediate bond with the city and the dressing room:

“People welcomed me phenomenally, inside and outside the club. You feel at every step that Milan is a historic giant.”

He says he’s enjoying this new chapter as much as he enjoyed arriving in Madrid back in 2012 — the difference now being that he’s in the final stretch of his career, but without letting go of the competitive edge that has always defined him.

A Farewell That Was Anything but Easy

The Croatian star admitted leaving Real Madrid hurt:

“It wasn’t easy. I spent almost half my life there. I arrived at 27 and left at almost 40. At a club that doesn’t tolerate mediocrity, staying that long is incredible.”

And while he always wanted to retire at the Bernabéu, he recognizes that every cycle eventually ends.