Why did Luka Modric decide to stay at Milan?

Modric stayed primarily because of the love and support he received from the club and the fans, along with the confirmation that he still has the passion and motivation to play at the highest level.

What affected Modric the most last season?

What affected him the most was that AC Milan failed to secure Champions League qualification and that he couldn't help the team in key matches due to his own injury.

To whom would Modric like to dedicate a trophy won with Milan?

Modric would like to dedicate a potential trophy to the late club legend Franco Baresi, whom he considered a role model and a symbol of the club.

Football

He Revealed Everything: Luka Modrić Explains Why He Stayed at Milan

B.N. · 05. 08. 2026. | 3 min

In a candid interview with Italian media, the Vatreni captain revealed what kept him at San Siro, admitted the pain of last season, and announced his pursuit of trophies.

Summary

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Luka Modric revealed that the love from the club and fans was decisive in his decision to stay at Milan.
He admitted that the failure of last season, when the club missed out on the Champions League and he couldn't help due to injury, deeply affected him.
He emphasized that his only goal is to win trophies with Milan and that he wants to dedicate them to the late legend Franco Baresi.

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Luka Modrić, captain of the Croatian national football team and midfielder for AC Milan, has decided to extend his stay with the 'Rossoneri'. In a candid interview with the Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport, published on August 5, 2026, he revealed the key reasons behind his decision, as well as his undisguised disappointment over the end of the previous season.

The Love of the Club and Fans Was Decisive

Modrić emphasized that the sense of belonging and support was the main driving force. "Above all, I stayed because I felt great here. The club and the fans gave me so much love and support, and that was the main reason for my decision. I felt how much Milan wanted me, and that is exactly what every footballer hopes for," the Croatian captain told Gazzetta dello Sport.

He stressed that the decision was not made overnight, but rather he carefully weighed his own options. "In my head, I always had the desire to stay for one more season, but I didn't want to rush. I had to listen to my body and see if I still had the same passion, desire, and motivation. When I realized I did, and the club once again showed me how much they count on me, there was no more doubt," he explained.

Disappointment with Last Season and a Desire to Make Amends

Last season ended without Champions League qualification for AC Milan, which deeply affected the Croatian midfielder. "That really hit me hard. I'm sorry that due to injury I couldn't help the team in the most important matches. That's why I want this season to be different. We must learn from the mistakes we made and bring Milan back where it belongs," Modrić said.

Trophies as the Only Goal

Although he is in the later stages of his career, Modrić's ambition has not waned in the slightest. His focus remains solely on winning. "I came here to win trophies, and that dream hasn't changed. I want to win something with Milan. I'm not just interested in playing or enjoying football, but in winning. That's why I'm here," he said firmly.

A Tribute to the Legendary Baresi

In an emotional part of the interview, Modrić also reflected on the passing of club legend Franco Baresi, whom he adored as a boy. "Baresi was a symbol of Milan and one of my idols. It would be wonderful to win a trophy and dedicate it to him. That would be the best way to honor his legacy," the Croatian midfielder concluded.