Luka Modric has officially joined AC Milan on a free transfer after 13 successful seasons with Real Madrid. The 39-year-old midfielder has signed a contract until 2026, with the Rossoneri having the option to extend his stay for another season.

Modric announced in May that he would be leaving Spanish giants Real after the Club World Cup in the United States. He said on Milan's social media channels that he was "very happy to start a new chapter" in his career. Massimiliano Allegri, who returned for a second stint as Milan manager after replacing Sergio Conceicao, described Modric as an "incredible player" when he confirmed that the Croatia captain would join the club earlier this month.

Modric, who won the 2018 Ballon d'Or, has won 28 trophies, including six Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles, with Real since joining from Tottenham in 2012. He is the most decorated player in Real's history. Modric has scored 43 goals in 597 appearances for the club. His last appearance for the club was in the 0:4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup.

Modric is keen to play in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States next summer.

Milan will not play in Europe after finishing eighth in Serie A.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have signed 22-year-old Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras. He arrives at the Bernabeu for 43 million pounds and signed a six-year contract with the Madrid giants. | BGNES