AC Milan announced on its official website on Monday that Real Madrid veteran, legendary Croatia international midfielder Luka Modrić has joined the club as a free agent after his contract expired. 

According to the Serie A giants' official statement, Modrić has signed on a short-term one-year deal with the club which will only run until the summer of 2026, with an option to extend for a further year. At the same time, he will also wear and play in the No. 14 jersey.

About Luka Modrić

The 39 years old, Modrić, affectionately called "Modi" by Chinese fans, was born in Zadar, Croatia on September 9, 1985. He is 1.72 meters tall and plays as a midfielder. His elder cousin Mark Viduka is a former Australia international center forward who played for Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Newcastle United.

Modrić, who has loved football since childhood, insisted on his dream despite the hardships of experiencing war when he was young. He joined the youth academy of his hometown club Zadar at the age of 11 and transferred to the Dinamo Zagreb youth academy at the age of 16.

After being promoted to the first-team in the summer of 2003, Modrić was immediately loaned-out to Zrinjski Mostar.

The following summer, Modrić was loaned-out to Inter Zaprešić, during which he helped the club qualify for the UEFA Cup with his outstanding performances.

After returning to the club following the end of his loan spell in the summer of 2005, Modrić officially became a key player in Dinamo Zagreb's first-team.

During his three-year stint at Dinamo Zagreb, Modrić won the Croatian HNL three times, the Croatian Cup twice and the Croatian Super Cup once, and attracted the attention of Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona.

In July 2008, Modrić joined Tottenham Hotspur for £16.5 million.

At first, Modrić was regarded as a flop because he had not yet fully adapted to the rhythm of the Premier League, but later he gradually became one of the best midfielders in the Spurs and even the entire league with his world-class performances.

In August 2012, Modrić joined Real Madrid for £30 million.

At first, Modrić's performances was not appreciated because of the fierce competition for position with Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira, but he still quietly worked hard and became one of the best midfielders in Europe and even the world.

During his 13-year spell at Santiago Bernabeu, Modrić made 597 appearances for Los Blancos in all competitions, scoring 43 goals and providing 95 assists. He also won six Champions Leagues, five UEFA Super Cups, five FIFA Club World Cups, five Supercopa de España, four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey and one FIFA Intercontinental Cup.