Luka Modric’s Milan move proves that a slower Serie A still has plenty of cachet | Jonathan Wilson

The news that Luka Modric, the midfield maestro who defied the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly to claim the 2018 Ballon d’Or, is heading to AC Milan, sends a clear signal across European football: Serie A remains a highly desirable destination for the game’s most decorated veterans. Modric, who will celebrate his 40th birthday in September, arrives in Italy after an astonishing career spanning 930 games, securing seven league titles and an astounding six Champions League crowns. His move follows in the footsteps of another modern legend, Kevin De Bruyne, who also opted for the Italian top flight, underscoring a growing trend that speaks volumes about the league’s unique appeal.

Modric’s recent years at Real Madrid offered glimpses of a player whose mind remained as sharp as ever, but whose body, understandably, could no longer sustain the relentless demands of ninety minutes at the highest level. He rarely completed full matches, was notably benched during the Club World Cup, and was spared the indignity of a late cameo in Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final exit against Paris Saint-Germain. For many, he could have comfortably retired five years ago, his legacy already cemented as one of the most respected figures in football history. Yet, with his eyes firmly fixed on next summer’s World Cup, the expiry of his Real Madrid contract presented an opportunity, and Modric chose the Rossoneri, a decision that speaks volumes about his ambition and the league he has chosen.

The allure of Serie A for players like Modric and De Bruyne is multifaceted, but primarily revolves around its distinctive tactical rhythm. Unlike the Premier League’s breakneck speed and relentless pressing, or even the modern La Liga’s increasing emphasis on athleticism, Italian football often prioritises positional play, tactical discipline, and a more measured build-up. This slower, more cerebral pace allows players whose greatest assets are their vision, passing range, and footballing intelligence to thrive, even as their physical explosiveness wanes. For Modric, it means he can continue to dictate play from deep, spraying passes and orchestrating attacks without being constantly harried by high-intensity pressers for the full duration of a match. Milan, under their current tactical setup, offers a system where his unparalleled experience and exquisite touch can still be pivotal, without demanding the lung-bursting runs that are no longer his forte.

This influx of high-calibre, albeit aging, talent is a testament to Serie A’s enduring cachet. It’s not just about the slower pace; it’s also about the historical prestige of its clubs, the quality of life, and the opportunity to compete at a high level in a league that values tactical nuance as much as raw athleticism. For Modric, Milan represents not merely a swansong, but a strategic move to maintain match fitness and form for a potential final international hurrah. For Serie A, it’s a brilliant marketing coup, bringing in players who still command global attention and whose sheer presence elevates the league’s profile. It proves that while the pace may have mellowed, the strategic depth and enduring appeal of Italian football continue to draw the game’s most revered figures, allowing them to extend their illustrious careers and enrich the league with their unparalleled expertise.