Luka Modric signed a contract extension Thursday to remain with AC Milan for another season. The Croatia midfielder, who will turn 41 in September, joined the Rossoneri on a free transfer in 2025 after leaving Real Madrid and made 37 appearances last season, scoring two goals.

Modric addressed the extension in a club statement.

"I am thrilled to stay at AC Milan, where you made me feel welcomed and loved from the very first day," said Modric. "After a season below our expectations, the desire to bounce back is immense. A new season and a new challenge await us, a project I believe in and that motivates me. I am ready to continue to give everything again for this shirt and I am so proud to keep wearing these colours."

The announcement came shortly after Modric returned from his fifth World Cup, where he started all four of Croatia's matches and surpassed 200 international appearances. The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner remained on the field for 109 minutes when Croatia's tournament ended in a controversial 2-1 round-of-32 loss to Portugal that included a disallowed goal.

Milan described Modric's continued presence at the club in its statement.

"One of the finest and most iconic players in world football, the Croatian will continue his journey in the Rossoneri shirt," Milan said.

Milan finished fifth in Serie A during Modric's debut season at San Siro and will compete in the Europa League this year under new manager Ruben Amorim.