International football star Luka Modric was met with a fervent reception from supporters upon his arrival in Perth, Australia, on Sunday. Fans clad in Croatian jerseys filled the airport's arrival hall, chanting the 38-year-old midfielder's name and seeking autographs and photographs.
Milan staff quickly escorted Modric from the terminal amidst the crowd. He has joined his AC Milan teammates in Western Australia for the Calcio Italiano football festival, which features exhibition matches against rival clubs. AC Milan is scheduled to play Inter Milan on Wednesday night at Optus Stadium.
Inter Milan also received a vocal welcome from supporters gathering outside their hotel earlier on Sunday. The festival in Perth includes AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Palermo.
Modric is embarking on his second season with AC Milan, having agreed to extend his contract for another campaign. He arrived in Perth having trained throughout his break and following his participation in a fifth World Cup. AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim views Modric's experience as crucial for the team's tactical approach, which aims to build play around ball possession. "His experience will help young players develop, and it will be crucial in our development," Amorim stated. "We want to base our game on possession, and if there's anyone in the world who can be truly useful in managing possession, it's Luka."
The veteran player, who will turn 41 on September 9, is anticipated to play his final professional season. Modric is also preparing to conclude his international career with Croatia in a Nations League match against Spain on October 6. After this fixture, his focus is expected to shift entirely to AC Milan as he aims for what would be the 35th trophy of his career. His 2018 Ballon d'Or award is currently on temporary display at the Casa Milan museum, and his AC Milan jersey has reportedly been the club's best-selling shirt.
Other players arriving with Milan include midfielder Ardon Jashari, with Koni De Winter and Alexis Saelemaekers expected to join the squad. Following the Milan derby, the festival will continue with Juventus facing Inter Milan at Optus Stadium on Saturday night. Juventus's 31-man squad includes Türkiye international Kenan Yildiz and United States midfielder Weston McKennie, both of whom competed against Australia in the recent World Cup. Juventus is also set to play Serie B club Palermo at HBF Park next Tuesday. The Italian club had a prior engagement in Hong Kong on Wednesday before traveling to Perth.