Luka Modric's shirt number at AC Milan revealed as Real Madrid legend picks one worn by Carlo Ancelotti after arriving in Italy to complete free transfer

According to a report from Calciomercato, Modric has officially arrived in Milan to undergo medicals and finalise his free transfer to the Italian club after ending his 12-year spell at Real Madrid. The Croatian midfielder has opted to wear the No. 14 shirt for the 2025-26 season, which was occasionally worn by former Milan player and manager Ancelotti during his playing days at the club.

Modric, 39, has signed a deal with Milan until June 2026, with an option to extend for a further year. The move reunites the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner with Serie A, where he is expected to play a pivotal role under head coach Massimiliano Allegri. His arrival follows the departure of Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City, leaving a gap in midfield leadership that Modric is set to fill. Reijnders wore the No. 14 shirt last season.

He spoke to the media briefly on Monday after arriving in Milan, saying: "I'm very happy to be here, great challenges await me, I will have time to talk about all this."

Modric featured in 63 matches for Real Madrid in the 2024-25 season, recording four goals and nine assists across all competitions. Despite his age, he logged 2,984 minutes of action.

After taking a massive pay cut, Modric is scheduled to begin training with AC Milan on August 4 at Milanello. The club’s pre-season continues with upcoming friendlies before their Serie A opener later in August. Allegri is expected to deploy Modric in a central role to anchor a midfield including Loftus-Cheek, Ricci, and Fofana, as Milan push to reclaim the Scudetto.