Croatia captain Luka Modric said Wednesday he had penned a one-year contract with AC Milan to "stay competitive and in Europe"."I wanted to stay in Europe, to continue playing competitive football.

Milan finished a disappointing eighth in Serie A last season and will not play in European competition. But Modric insisted Milan remains “one of the biggest clubs in Europe”.

AC Milan have completed the signing of Luka Modric on a one-year deal, with the option of a further year, which is likely to see the Croatian continue playing at the top-level beyond his 40th birthday in September.