Maldini and Modrić’s future: encouraging signs from the Milan management
AC Milan’s sporting director Paolo Maldini has spoken clearly and directly about the future of Luka Modrić: “For me, Modrić will stay another year, if he chooses with his heart.” These significant words, shared in an interview with Aon, give Milan fans real hope that the Croatian maestro will remain at the club through the 2026/2027 season.
It is worth recalling that Maldini himself was the driving force behind the operation that brought the Croatian midfielder to Milan last summer — a move that thrilled the fanbase and once again demonstrated the director’s ability to attract world-class talent.
Modrić: numbers and leadership that speak for themselves
Anyone who assumed the 1985-born star had come to Milan merely to wind down his career has been proven wrong. With over 2,000 minutes on the pitch this season and a string of key performances delivered with his trademark elegance and tactical intelligence, Modrić has been active, present and decisive both in and out of possession.
His contribution goes well beyond statistics: the quiet leadership he brings to the dressing room, combined with years of success at Real Madrid, the Croatian national team and individual awards including the Ballon d’Or, make him an absolute reference point for younger teammates. Completing an entire season at 40 years of age without any muscular issues is nothing short of extraordinary and reflects an exceptional level of physical dedication.
His only absence this season was due to a cheekbone injury, the result of an unfortunate aerial clash with Manuel Locatelli — nothing related to his athletic fitness whatsoever.
Options on the table: Milan, Dinamo Zagreb or retirement?
Despite the optimism emanating from the rossoneri camp, other possibilities remain for Modrić’s future. One is a return to Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb, where president Zvonimir Boban is a long-standing close friend. Another option, not entirely ruled out, is retirement from professional football.
On the contractual side, Milan hold an option to extend the deal by one more year, though this can only be activated with the player’s agreement. Modrić’s final decision is expected to come around the time of the 2026 World Cup, either just before or just after the tournament.
A signal that goes beyond words
When a sporting director of Paolo Maldini‘s stature makes such a public and confident statement, it is rarely coincidental. His comments to Aon suggest that something positive is taking shape behind the scenes. Maldini also noted that Modrić has always been a lifelong Milan supporter, and that this genuine passion for the club’s colours played a key role in his decision to join the Rossoneri.
Should the Croatian legend renew, it would also send a significant signal on two fronts: the continuity of Massimiliano Allegri on the bench, with whom Modrić shares a relationship of deep mutual respect; and the club’s commitment to building an ambitious project — because a champion of his calibre would never agree to stay at a team without genuine aspirations. And for Milan fans, that may well be the most encouraging sign of all.
