The Croatia captain Luka Modric from Real Madrid will join AC Milan after the club World Cup, confirmed the newly appointed manager Massimiliano Allegri of the Serie A Club Monday.
The move means that the 39-year-old midfielder, who announced in May that he would leave Madrid after the World Cup Club, will bring his 13-year spell to the Spanish giants.
“Modric will arrive in August. He is an extraordinary player,” Allegri said reporters in his first press conference as Milan's manager.
Real Face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final of the Club World Cup on Wednesday, with the final planned for Sunday.
Modric, the Ballon d'Or winner of 2018, will join a Milan side in search of a disappointing campaign that saw them end eighth and miss the European competition.
“I tell the fans that the most important thing is to work well every day,” said Allegri. “The only way to regain respect is through responsibility and by achieving results. We absolutely need their support.”
The Italian, who joined Milan for the second time after replacing the dismissed Sergio Conukicao at the end of May, also outlined some important changes in the team for the new season.
Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders was sold to Manchester City in June, while France left Theo Hernandez behind, could be on his way to the Saudi Pro competitions already Hilal.
“While Reijnders and Hernandez are not part of the team next season, Mike Maignan and (forward) Rafael Leao seem to remain willing,” said Allegri.
Milan starts their Serie A campaign on August 23 with a home game against Cremonese.
Allegri, who previously led Milan to a Serie A title in the 2010-11 season, managed Juventus for the last time.