MILAN — In a bold return to the club where his managerial reputation was first forged, Massimiliano Allegri has vowed to restore AC Milan to its rightful place among Europe’s elite, naming Croatian veteran Luka Modrić as the unexpected centerpiece of his rebuilding plan.
Unveiled at a packed press conference at Casa Milan on Monday morning, Allegri, 57, struck a confident tone as he laid out his vision for a Rossoneri resurgence following two underwhelming seasons under Stefano Pioli’s successors.
“Milan is not just a football club—it’s history, identity, and ambition,” Allegri said. “We’ve been away from where we belong for too long. It’s time to restore our soul. And Luka Modrić will help us do exactly that.”
The announcement that 39-year-old Modrić—long considered past his prime at Real Madrid—would be joining Milan on a one-year deal stunned many. But Allegri, known for his pragmatic and cerebral approach, believes Modrić’s experience and intelligence are exactly what Milan’s young midfield lacks.
“Luka’s legs may not be 25 anymore, but his brain is sharper than ever,” Allegri said. “He will be the compass in our midfield—guiding, organizing, elevating those around him. His presence will demand standards.”
Modrić, who captained Croatia in their run to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024, was reportedly close to retirement before Allegri personally intervened with a phone call.
“He told me, ‘You’re not done yet. Milan needs you,’” Modrić said via video message. “And that was enough. I want to win again, and I believe we can.”
Allegri’s appointment marks a return to familiar ground. He led Milan to their last Scudetto in 2011 before moving to Juventus, where he amassed five league titles and reached two Champions League finals. Now, he inherits a squad full of promise but plagued by inconsistency and tactical instability.
A tactical shift to a more balanced 4-2-3-1, with Modrić playing a hybrid deep-lying playmaker role.
Greater discipline in defense and a renewed focus on game management.
A push to integrate emerging talents like Francesco Camarda and Jan-Carlo Simic alongside seasoned leaders.
Club director Zlatan Ibrahimović, now a central figure in Milan’s sporting operations, hailed Allegri’s return. “He knows what it means to win here. He knows pressure, expectations, legacy. And he’s not afraid of it.”
Despite the optimism, Allegri faces a steep climb. Milan finished fifth in Serie A last season and missed out on Champions League qualification. Fan frustration has been growing, and key players like Rafael Leão and Mike Maignan are reportedly being courted by top European clubs.
But Allegri insists Milan must not panic.
“Rebuilding isn’t about panic buys or selling dreams,” he said. “It’s about structure, discipline, and unity. Modrić is just the beginning. We’ll bring in more, but they must be the right fit—for Milan, not just for headlines.”
With pre-season training already underway and Modrić expected to join the squad in the coming days, the countdown to Allegri’s second act begins. Milan fans, weary from years of inconsistency, now dare to hope again.
“Allegri knows what it takes,” said Marco Cattaneo, a longtime Rossoneri supporter outside San Siro. “And if he believes in Modrić, then so do we.”
For Milan, the past may now hold the key to a brighter future.
