A Nightmare Ending on San Siro

The dream of European glory has ended for AC Milan. A heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Cagliari at home in the final Serie A round dropped the Rossoneri to fifth place. Thanks to results elsewhere, including wins for Roma and Como, the Italian giants will contest the Europa League next season instead of the Champions League. For 40-year-old Luka Modrić, who came on in the 61st minute, this could be his final appearance in the iconic red and black stripes.

Modrić and Allegri’s Uncertain Paths

Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport highlight the Croatian veteran’s visible despair. Modrić, still wearing the protective mask following a cheekbone fracture against Juventus less than a month ago, stared in disbelief at the Curva Sud. His class and dedication were not enough to secure the top-four finish he desperately wanted. Modrić had signaled interest in staying for one more season, but without Champions League football, his motivation wanes. The situation is further complicated by the likely departure of manager Max Allegri, with whom Modrić shared a strong bond.

Veterans Eyeing the Exit

Modrić is not alone in his potential exit. Adrien Rabiot joined Milan specifically to work with Allegri. With the Champions League now out of reach and the manager’s future in jeopardy, the French midfielder’s stay is highly questionable. Additionally, Serbian defender Strahinja Pavlović, who recently turned 25, is attracting interest from English and Turkish clubs. Manchester United, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahce are among those monitoring the talented centre-back, who commands a salary of around €1.7 million. As the season ends in turmoil, several key figures may be packing their bags.