Forty-year-old Modric at AC Milan to 'stay competitive and in Europe'

Croatia captain Luka Modric said Wednesday he had penned a one-year contract with AC Milan to "stay competitive and in Europe".

"I'm happy to be here, and I look forward to a new adventure," the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner told AC Milan's TV channel after joining from Real Madrid.

Modric, who turns 40 in September, joined the Spanish giant from Tottenham in 2012, going on to win six Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies.

"I wanted to stay in Europe, to continue playing competitive football. I had some other offers, but when Milan showed up for me, it was clear from the first moment," he said.

Milan finished a disappointing eighth in Serie A last season and will not play in European competition.

But Modric insisted Milan remains "one of the biggest clubs in Europe".

"Milan cannot be satisfied with average, and needs to have the biggest goals possible, to win titles, to compete with the best teams in the world, that's why I am here."

Modric signed a one-year contract, with an option for an additional season with the seven-time Champions League and 19-time Serie A winner.

"I'm never satisfied, I always want more," he warned. "When you've experienced that feeling (of winning), you want to feel it even more. I still have hunger and desire. (I) still want more."

To explain his longevity, Modric said "the most important thing is the love for the game, for football".

"That's what I still have, what I still feel in my belly, this fire, that's what pushes me. There are no secrets, for me it's the passion, the love for football. I am never satisfied."

The 2018 World Cup runner-up also spoke of his childhood memories of Milan.

"When I was a kid, I watched the Italian league a lot, Milan was my favorite team," he recalled.

"Also because Zvonimir Boban was there, who was my idol," he added, referring to his compatriot who played for the Rossoneri between 1992 and 2001.

Bellingham to miss 12 weeks

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is expected to miss up to 12 weeks while recovering from a shoulder operation after the Spanish giant said Wednesday he had successfully undergone surgery.

"Our player Jude Bellingham has undergone successful surgery for a recurrent left shoulder dislocation," said Real Madrid in a statement.

"Bellingham will now begin a period of rehabilitation prior to his return to recovery work."

While Madrid did not specify the expected length of his recovery time, Spanish media have reported it will take around 12 weeks for him to return to action.

Bellingham is set to miss the La Liga visit to rival Atletico Madrid in late September, as well as the club's first two Champions League matches.

The 22-year-old midfielder should be back in action by the time Madrid hosts Barcelona in the first 'Clasico' of the season in late October.

AFP