Luka Modric made his official debut for AC Milan on Sunday, in front of more than 71,000 at San Siro, as the team beat Bari 2-0 in the Coppa Italia. At 39, the Croatian came on after halftime, greeted by loud applause, and became part of a night that felt historic. More than what he did on the pitch, it was the simple image of him in Milan’s jersey, the one he admired as a boy, that carried the weight.
A childhood dream fulfilled
As a kid, Modric watched Zvonimir Boban, another Croatian, shine in Milan colors. Now, pulling on the same shirt near the end of his career, it almost feels like closing a circle. The announcer at San Siro even said it during the team introductions: “He was a boy who wore the rossoneri jersey and later became a legend.”
The match against Bari
Milan settled the match early. Rafael Leão scored with a header in the first half, though he had to leave soon after with an injury. Early in the second half, Christian Pulisic, the USMNT star, doubled the lead after a quick one-two with Giménez.
With Allegri suspended and watching from the stands, Milan kept control without much trouble. The score could have been higher, Saelemaekers and Fofana both had clear chances. Bari tried to respond late, but Maignan was steady in goal.
Modric steps onto the field
Modric started on the bench, as he had against Chelsea in a friendly. Twenty minutes into the second half, he replaced Pulisic, and the ovation was immediate. Playing in a central holding role, he showed brief flashes of quality.
The standout came when he dribbled past two players in quick succession, drawing applause. The shot that followed was weak and saved without trouble. Near the end, he sent in a cross from the right, but no one was there to finish it.
Professionalism beyond the final whistle
Even after the game ended, Modric stayed on the pitch. He spoke with Noah Okafor, pointing out positioning and details. It was a small gesture, but a clear sign of his leadership. Milan brought him not only to play but to guide younger teammates, sharing the experience of a career at the very top.