Luka Modric has been mobbed by football supporters after arriving in Perth for AC Milan’s blockbuster exhibition match against bitter rivals Inter Milan.
Fans wearing Croatian jerseys filled the arrival hall at Perth Airport on Sunday, chanting the midfield great’s name as they pushed forward for photographs and autographs.
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner was greeted by a large crowd before Milan staff quickly escorted him from the terminal.
Modric, 40, has joined his teammates in Western Australia ahead of Wednesday night’s Derby della Madonnina at Optus Stadium.
The match forms part of the Calcio Italiano football festival, which has brought AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus and Palermo to Perth.
Inter had received an equally vocal welcome earlier on Sunday, with supporters gathering outside the club’s hotel despite the cold morning conditions.
Luka Modric looked a bit concerned as he was mobbed by supporters after arriving at Perth Airport ahead of Milan’s Australian tour
The 40-year-old was escorted from Perth Airport by Milan staff after being surrounded by excited local football supporters
Modric joined AC Milan’s squad ahead of Wednesday night’s exhibition clash with Inter Milan at Perth’s Optus Stadium
Fans banged on the lobby doors and chanted for the reigning Serie A champions after their arrival.
Modric is beginning his second season with AC Milan after agreeing to remain at the club for another campaign.
The veteran trained throughout his break and arrived in Perth ready to begin pre-season preparations following his appearance at a fifth World Cup.
He is expected to play an important role under Milan coach Ruben Amorim, who supported the decision to retain the decorated Croatian.
The pair spoke several times by telephone before meeting in Perth.
Amorim said Modric’s experience would be valuable as Milan attempt to build their style around controlling the ball.
‘His experience will help young players develop, and it will be crucial in our development,’ Amorim said.
‘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 Croatian great is beginning his second season with Milan and could be entering his final professional campaign
Milan coach Ruben Amorim believes Modric’s vast experience will help develop the younger players within his travelling squad
Juventus will meet Inter Milan at Optus Stadium before facing Serie B club Palermo at HBF Park next Tuesday
Modric, who turns 41 on September 9, is expected to enter the final season of his professional career.
The six-time Champions League winner is also preparing to end his international career when Croatia face Spain in a Nations League match in Split on October 6.
After that match, Modric is expected to focus entirely on Milan as he pursues what would be the 35th trophy of his decorated career.
His 2018 Ballon d’Or has been placed on temporary display at the Casa Milan museum as a gesture of thanks to supporters.
Modric’s Milan jersey has reportedly become the best-selling shirt in the club’s official stores and online.
Midfielder Ardon Jashari also arrived at Milan’s Perth hotel, while Koni De Winter and Alexis Saelemaekers were expected to join the squad.
The festival will continue after Wednesday’s Milan derby, with Juventus facing Inter at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
Juventus have named a 31-man travelling squad headlined by Türkiye international Kenan Yildiz and United States midfielder Weston McKennie.
Both players faced Australia during the recent World Cup, with Yildiz featuring in Türkiye’s 2-0 defeat to the Socceroos and McKennie lining up for the US in the second group match.
The Juventus squad also includes Manuel Locatelli, Douglas Luiz, Bremer, Teun Koopmeiners, Francisco Conceição, Randal Kolo Muani and Jonathan David.
Juventus were due to play Chelsea in Hong Kong on Wednesday before travelling to Perth the following day.
The Italian powerhouse will face Inter on Saturday before completing the festival against Serie B side Palermo at HBF Park next Tuesday.
