Luka Modrić has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract with AC Milan.

The Italian club confirmed that the midfielder has committed himself to the Rossoneri until June 30, 2027, extending his playing career into another remarkable season.

Modrić is already 40 and will celebrate his 41st birthday on September 9. He will therefore be approaching 42 by the time his latest contract expires.

“Luka Modrić has signed a contract for a further season,” Milan announced in the club’s official statement confirming the extension.

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Modrić silences retirement talk with final decision

The Croatian’s previous agreement expired on June 30, leaving him officially without a club while he considered whether to continue playing after the World Cup.

There had also been speculation that Modrić could end his extraordinary career after Croatia’s elimination from the tournament.

Instead, he has chosen another season at San Siro.

According to Susy Campanale’s report for Football Italia, Modrić delayed his final decision until after the World Cup because he was considering both his Milan future and whether he still wanted to play professionally.

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His decision means Milan will retain one of their most experienced and influential players as they attempt to recover from a disappointing campaign.

Amorim’s personal push pays off

New Milan coach Rúben Amorim had made no secret of his desire to keep Modrić.

During his first press conference as Rossoneri manager, the Portuguese coach described the midfielder as an important reference point and confirmed that he had spoken to him directly.

“We want Modrić to stay. I’ve already spoken to him and, for me, he remains a key reference point,” Amorim said in AC Milan’s official account of his unveiling.

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Other reports suggested that Amorim contacted Modrić twice while the player was considering his options. However, there is no confirmation that those conversations alone determined the midfielder’s decision.

What is clear is that Amorim wanted Modrić included in the new project, even if the veteran is unlikely to start every match.

Milan nightmare leaves legend hungry for revenge

Modrić joined Milan on a free transfer in the summer of 2025 after ending his 13-year spell at Real Madrid.

Despite his age, he quickly became a major presence in the Rossoneri midfield. He made 37 appearances across all competitions during his first season, scoring twice and providing three assists. Milan’s official statement described him as a key figure whose experience, quality, humility and passion had helped the team both on and off the pitch.

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The season itself, however, fell below expectations.

Milan finished fifth in Serie A and missed out on Champions League qualification, meaning Amorim will begin his tenure with the club competing in the Europa League.

That disappointment appears to have strengthened Modrić’s desire to continue.

“I am thrilled to stay at AC Milan, where you made me feel welcomed and loved from the very first day,” Modrić said, as quoted by ESPN in its report on the new contract.

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He also spoke of a strong desire to respond after a campaign that failed to meet the club’s ambitions.

Amorim faces delicate Modrić balancing act

Keeping Modrić provides Amorim with leadership and technical quality, but it also presents an obvious challenge.

The midfielder can no longer be expected to play every week across Serie A, the Europa League and domestic cup competitions. His minutes will have to be managed carefully throughout a demanding season.

Amorim has already acknowledged that reality. He wants Modrić available for the biggest occasions rather than exhausted by an overloaded schedule.

The Croatian may therefore move away from being an automatic starter and towards a more carefully managed role. He can still dictate matches from midfield, but his influence in the dressing room could become just as important as his performances on the pitch.

Modrić will continue to wear Milan’s number 14 shirt.

For a player who has already won six Champions League titles and the Ballon d’Or, another year might appear unnecessary. Modrić clearly sees it differently.

Retirement can wait. Milan’s oldest star believes there is still unfinished business at San Siro.