Rafael Leao and Luka Modric are central to speculation about AC Milan futures. Luka Modric’s late free-kick in a loss to Cagliari could be among his final actions in Italy and possibly in his career. Milan’s Champions League exit increases the likelihood that retirement is becoming a real option for the nearly 41-year-old Croatian. Modric’s season included standout performances, and he had hoped for one more Champions League appearance, having won the competition six times. Milan’s leadership, including Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, wants him to stay, and he joined the club a year earlier to fulfill a childhood dream. However, Milan’s future direction and the need for motivation to pursue trophies could push him toward leaving.
"Leao and Modric are 'two different faces' of today's Milan. The Croatian's free-kick in the box in the 96th minute of Milan's loss to Cagliari could be the last action not only of his time in Italy, but his illustrious playing career in general. Who knows, if it had turned into the goal that made it 2-2 for the Rossoneri, we'd be talking about a different story today. Instead, with the Rossoneri out of the Champions League, the thought of retiring from football is increasingly taking root in the Croatian champion's mind."
"Of course, first comes his fifth World Cup, which could therefore turn into his farewell tour, as the Americans say. But the sight of Luka removing his mask on Sunday, his face worn by defeat, is striking. At nearly 41, Modric dreamed of one last dance in the UCL, which he's won six times. He honestly deserved it, after a season where he was an absolute star, despite his age and the amount that he was used. Instead, it all ended in the cruelest way. What now?"
"Ultimately, the former Real Madrid man accepted a transfer to Milan without European competition a year ago just to fulfil his childhood dream of wearing the shirt of his idol, Zvonimir Boban. The club's position toward him hasn't changed: both Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic want him to stay. However, there are other reasons pushing Luka toward leaving. The overall direction Milan could take, for example. Modric has always made it clear that to continue, he would need the motivation to fight for success next season, to lift trophies."
Read at SempreMilan
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