Who would have thought that we would see Luka Modrić, at 41, wearing the Milan shirt for a second consecutive season? At this time last year, with the Croatian midfielder having just arrived, it was something we could hope for; by May, at the end of the season and with no Champions League football, there seemed to be little chance of it happening. And yet Modrić is still at the heart of Milan’s midfield and will remain there throughout the season, even with European football on the line, despite his age continuing to advance.
As is often the case, when a club signs a player of this age, it does so primarily for his name and experience. It is difficult to find players who can still make the difference. Luka Modrić is certainly one of them, and for Milan he is not simply a luxury signing but a crucial and irreplaceable figure in the middle of the pitch. 'Quotidiano Sportivo' highlighted this on the occasion of his birthday, running the headline:
"Modrić, pact with the Diavolo at 41. Milan celebrate the eternal champion."
The subheading then adds: "The Croatian has been the pillar around which the team rebuilt after a disappointing season. He is not a luxury but a necessity."
