Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Luka Modrić is leaning heavily toward retiring from professional football after the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is actively planning to bring the Croatian legend back to the Santiago Bernabéu in a managerial or administrative role.
The 40-year-old midfielder’s current contract with AC Milan is set to expire at the end of this June. Initially, expectations were high for a one-year contract extension, especially following Modrić’s stellar performances at the San Siro throughout the past season.
However, the recent massive overhaul sweeping through AC Milan has left Modrić reconsidering his future. Current indications suggest he is ready to call time on his illustrious career, making the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico his final dance.
Milan’s Turbulence Pushes Modrić Toward Retirement
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Alegri’s Departure: AC Milan recently sacked manager Massimiliano Allegri, who shared a deeply close relationship with the Croatian star.
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Management Overhaul: Following their failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, Milan’s board initiated a total administrative shake-up. This sudden shift left Modrić feeling “lost” and dissatisfied with the direction the Italian giants are taking.
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World Cup Focus: At this moment, Modrić is entirely focused on leading Croatia in the World Cup, hoping to replicate the historic runs of the last two editions by reaching the semi-finals before making his final decision.
The Real Madrid Open Door
Florentino Pérez is closely monitoring Modrić’s situation, determined to bring the icon back to Real Madrid in a new capacity, whether immediately after the World Cup or sometime next year.
For his part, Modrić is reportedly keen on returning to live in Madrid. He views working with a powerhouse like Real Madrid as the perfect stepping stone for a second career in football, either in sports management or coaching.
