Milan followers are nonetheless reveling within the brilliance of Luka Modric, who has hit the bottom operating since his arrival, defying age and expectation alike. The Croatian has already develop into the heartbeat of the Rossoneri midfield, inspiring teammates along with his professionalism and commanding presence.
However whereas Modric has been stealing the headlines, it has now been revealed that the Rossoneri’s administration significantly thought of one other main addition — one among Modric’s long-time Actual Madrid teammates — just for the deal to fall via on the last stage.
At 40 years outdated, Modric’s degree of play stays astonishing. His each day work routine, which incorporates rigorously deliberate workout routines, weight loss plan, and restoration methods, has allowed him to remain aggressive on the prime degree. “Age is only a quantity,” the skilled midfielder wrote on X (previously Twitter) just lately, and his performances on the pitch are proving him proper. Behind the scenes, the Croatian legend has been sharing his secrets and techniques with youthful gamers, elevating the workforce’s requirements and work ethic.
The Croatian’s determination to maneuver to the San Siro was pushed by ambition reasonably than cash. Regardless of profitable affords from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Professional League, the veteran selected to proceed competing in Europe, signing a cope with the Rossoneri till 2026, with an possibility to increase for one more yr.
Milan’s right-back dilemma
Whereas Modric was making headlines, Milan’s administration was additionally exhausting at work fixing one other puzzle — the right-back place. Over the summer season, Davide Calabria, Emerson Royal, Kyle Walker, Alessandro Florenzi, and Filippo Terracciano all departed, leaving the membership skinny in that space. The one new signing was Zachary Athekame from Younger Boys, however the Rossoneri thought of a number of choices earlier than selecting him.
And that is the place the story will get attention-grabbing. Based on switch insider Fabrizio Romano, Milan explored the potential of bringing in Lucas Vazquez, Modric’s long-time teammate at Actual Madrid, whose contract had expired. The Spaniard, a veteran of greater than 20 trophies with Los Blancos, was accessible on a free switch and would have introduced a wealth of expertise and flexibility.
Luka Modric of Actual Madrid celebrates scoring with Lucas Vazquez
Why the deal didn’t materialize
In the long run, the Serie A large opted in opposition to the transfer. Romano experiences that the choice got here right down to the membership’s demographic and project-related priorities — preferring to concentrate on youthful gamers who may type the core of the workforce’s long-term undertaking.
Whereas Vazquez was a beautiful possibility, able to taking part in as each a full-back in a again 4 and a wing-back in a again three, the Rossoneri felt that his profile didn’t completely match their tactical plan. At 34, he was not seen as a sustainable funding for the longer term.
As a substitute, the Spaniard ended up becoming a member of Bayer Leverkusen, marking the top of a 17-year affiliation with Actual Madrid. His departure got here after the Spanish giants signed Trent Alexander-Arnold, successfully closing the door on the veteran’s future in Madrid.
