One of the world’s greatest soccer players is understood to be among a raft of stars headed Down Under as part of Perth’s Italian football festival.
Having led his country at the World Cup — his fifth tournament — Croatian maestro Luka Modric is back in club colours after announcing on Friday that he was re-signing for AC Milan
After putting pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at the club for another year, it’s widely believed he will be among those flying in for the Calcio Italiano series, which kicks off with the Rossoneri taking on fierce rivals Inter Milan at Optus Stadium on August 5.
“I am thrilled to stay at AC Milan, Where you made me feel welcomed and loved from the very first day.” the 40-year-old said after signing his new contract.
“A new season and a new challenge await us — a project I believe in and that motivates me. I’m ready to continue to give everything again for this shirt and I’m so proud to keep wearing these colours.”
In a remarkable career, spanning spells in the English Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, and now Italy’s Serie A, Modric has one of world football’s most impressive trophy hauls.
During his 13 years at Real Madrid Modric lifted four league titles and a record-breaking six Champions League trophies — club soccer’s most coveted prize.
Such was his success in Madrid that he is Real’s most decorated footballer of all time .
With Croatia Modric has been the talisman of a golden generation that has exceeded all expectations.
He captained the country to a World Cup final loss in Russia in 2018, and to a 3rd place play-off victory in Qatar four years later.
As part of their remarkable run to the final in 2018 Modric was awarded the Golden Boot — presented to the tournament’s best player.
It was in that same year that he lifted the Ballon D’or — the annual award handed out to the best player in the world.
He meant that between 2008 and 2021 he was the only player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the accolade.
And Modric won’t be the only star putting on the famous red and black of AC Milan in Perth next month.
He is expected to be joined by Portuguese stars Rafael Leao and Goncalo Ramos.
Leao — reported to be valued at around $100m — has been at the centre of speculation about a big summer move, but is said to be headed to Perth regardless.
Ramos meanwhile has just signed for Milan, for a fee believed to be a club record $120m, having won back-to-back Champions League titles with Paris St Germain.
In the recent World Cup, Ramos headed in a dramatic late winner from a cross by Leao, to knock out Modric’s Croatia in the round of 32.
Portugal lost in next round to eventual winners, Spain.
Following the Milan derby at Optus, Inter will take on Juventus at the same venue on August 8, before Juve bring the curtain down on the festival with a game against Palermo at HBF Park on August 11.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails