After 13 seasons at Real Madrid, Luka Modric has decided to close his chapter as one of the club's great symbols. The Croatian midfielder says goodbye with an impressive record: 28 titles in total, including 6 Champions Leagues, 4 La Ligas, and a Ballon d'Or.
Modric not only left his mark in Madrid for what he won, but for how he won it. His understated yet effective style, his ability to appear at key moments, and his commitment to the badge made him an undisputed idol.
The Rossonero challenge: new chapter at Milan
Modric's immediate future lies in Serie A, as he has been announced as a new AC Milan player. The contract is for one season, with the option to extend if both parties consider it appropriate. The Croatian midfielder's idea is to keep himself at the elite level of European soccer to arrive in the best possible condition for the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Milan strengthens itself with experience, hierarchy, and class. The Rossonero jersey will witness the last great challenge of a player who has managed to reinvent himself time and again, who now seeks to end his career in style.
Barça bets on Lovro Chelfi
Meanwhile, in Barcelona, the blaugrana club seems to have found a gem with the air of a successor. This is Lovro Chelfi, a young Croatian midfielder who is just 18 years old and has been compared by some media outlets to Luka Modric himself. Barça has added him to its Juvenil A squad, in what could be a long-term bet.
Chelfi is one of the great promises of Croatian soccer and has stood out in international under-18 tournaments. His profile has caught the attention of scouts, who didn't hesitate to make a move before other major clubs did. Although the path to the first team is long, the club trusts that his development will be meteoric if he adapts to La Masia.
The numbers of the deal
Chelfi's signing was closed for an initial amount of €300,000 ($300,000), which covers 50% of the player's rights. That is, the blaugrana club has decided to share ownership with his previous team, keeping the door open for a definitive transfer later on. The deal also includes a series of variables that, if met, could raise the total cost to €2 million ($2 million).
This type of move has become common in Barça's policy when it comes to young talents with high potential. With this formula, they minimize the initial risk and keep the option to complete ownership if the footballer shows the desired level. Chelfi arrives quietly, but with the mark of a comparison that is no small thing: that of a certain Luka Modric.