Luka Modric is reportedly giving serious thought to retiring from professional football after the upcoming World Cup. This consideration stems from two key factors that no longer align with the conditions he set for continuing his career: AC Milan’s inability to secure a spot in the Champions League and the recent sacking of manager Massimiliano Allegri.
According to insights from Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by CalcioMercato, Modric, who will celebrate his 41st birthday in September, has consistently emphasized his desire to play only in an environment that offers genuine competitive motivation.
With Milan’s entire leadership structure undergoing a significant overhaul and a necessary rebuilding of the team from scratch, the prospect of challenging for the title next season appears distant. This reality is a far cry from the supportive and ambitious conditions the seasoned midfielder had envisioned for his continued participation.
The departure of Allegri further complicates the situation, as Modric shared a close relationship with the outgoing coach. This bond was a primary reason for his openness to extending his tenure at the club, and Allegri’s exit removes a significant source of comfort and familiarity for the Croatian playmaker.
Although AC Milan holds an option to extend Modric’s contract by one year beyond its expiration on June 30, and both club owner Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimović are reportedly eager to retain him, his decision remains uncertain. It is unclear whether they can convince Modric to commit to another year under circumstances so divergent from his expectations.
The World Cup, to be held in the United States this summer, may well serve as the final stage for Modric’s illustrious career, providing a fitting backdrop for one of football’s all-time greats to conclude his remarkable journey.
English Translation:
Luka Modric is seriously considering retirement following the World Cup. Milan’s failure to secure Champions League qualification and the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri have removed two crucial conditions the Croatian had set for continuing his playing career.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, via CalcioMercato, Modric, who will turn 41 in September, has always been clear that he would only continue if the environment provided genuine competitive motivation.
With Milan’s entire leadership structure dismantled and a project that needs to be rebuilt from the ground up, the prospect of a title challenge next season appears remote, far removed from the conditions the veteran midfielder had in mind.
The situation is further complicated by Modric’s close bond with the outgoing coach. His relationship with Allegri was one of the primary reasons he had been open to staying, and the Tuscan’s departure removes a significant source of comfort and familiarity at the club.
Milan does hold an option to extend his contract by one year beyond its June 30 expiry, and both Cardinale and Ibrahimović are understood to be keen on keeping him.
Whether they can persuade Modric to commit to another year in circumstances so different from those he had envisaged is far from certain.
The World Cup in the United States this summer may ultimately serve as his farewell stage, a fitting backdrop for one of football’s greatest ever players to bring the curtain down on an extraordinary career.