Modric signs new AC Milan deal at 40

Luka Modric has signed a new one-year contract with AC Milan, extending his stay at the Serie A club into 2027, the BBC reported. The Croatian midfielder, who turns 41 in September, continues his run at Milan after joining the club in 2023. The extension signals Milan's confidence in Modric's ability to contribute at the highest level despite his age, a rare commitment to veteran experience in modern football.

Modric's longevity at the top of European football stands as an outlier in an era when clubs typically move on from players in their late thirties. His presence at Milan reflects both his sustained quality and the club's willingness to retain experience in midfield as it competes in Serie A and European competition. The decision to extend rather than release him underscores his value to the Rossoneri's midfield structure.

Milan's retention of Modric into his fifth decade comes at a moment when Serie A itself is navigating questions about player longevity and the economics of experience. The league has seen other veteran arrivals in recent years, though few have sustained contracts as they enter their forties. Modric's extension suggests Milan views him as a stabilising presence in midfield rather than a transitional figure—a role that extends beyond pure statistical output to leadership and tactical acuity.

The deal also reflects broader shifts in how elite European clubs structure their squads. Rather than pursuing youth exclusively, clubs increasingly retain experienced players who can mentor younger talent and provide tactical flexibility. For Milan, keeping Modric signals continuity in midfield as the club pursues domestic and European titles in the coming season.