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Luka Modric has insisted that there is an obligation to aim for the Scudetto as an AC Milan player, while he heaped praise on Massimiliano Allegri.
When Modric signed for Milan on a free transfer in the summer having left Real Madrid, the mania begun as fans and pundits realised the impact that he could have. Sure enough, in his first few months with the Rossoneri, he has become arguably their most important player.
Nobody has more league minutes that the Croatian in the entire squad. Allegri placed him literally in the centre of his tactical plans as the deeper-lying midfielder in a three, and Modric repaid this faith with performances of quality and by setting standards for others to follow.
Modric on Milan, Allegri, Ibrahimovic and trophy aims
It is partly thanks to him that Milan appear to be in a title race. Modric was interviewed by Il Corriere della Sera about a number of different topics, from his past as a footballer to his present at Milan. His comments were relayed by MilanNews.
Luka, is it true that you were a Milan fan as a child?
“It’s true. I was a Milan fan because of my childhood hero: Zvonimir Boban, the Croatia captain who came close to winning the 1998 World Cup in France.”
And now, you’re at Milanello…
“Life always surprises you. Things happen you never thought possible. I was convinced I’d end my career at Real Madrid, but instead… But I’ve always thought this: if I ever had another team, it would be AC Milan. I’m here to win.”
Is the Scudetto possible?
“At Milan, you always have to play to win, only to win.”
Even this year?
“It’s possible. But it’ll take a long time. In football, you have to think game by game. If you start planning months ahead, you’ll get lost.”
What’s the secret to athletic longevity? How do you play at your level at 40?
“Love. Loving football, thinking about football, living for football. Football, along with family, is the most important thing I have. The secret is passion. Diet and training are secondary. To stay at the top for a long time, you need heart. I’m as happy in training as I was when I played as a child.”
You’re one of the greatest footballers alive, but you seem like a normal person…
“Exactly. I love normality. A normal family, a normal life, the little things. I don’t feel unique. In my life, I’ve never thought, not even for a second, that I was superior to anyone else. If I hadn’t been a footballer, I would have liked to be a waiter.”
Croatia has fewer than four million inhabitants. Yet it excels in sports, starting with football. In Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022, Italy weren’t even there, while you came in second and third. What’s the secret?
“The mentality. Knowing how to suffer, never giving up. We were taught that to achieve something, you have to fight. And then you have to defend it. Talent counts, but it’s not enough. I think the experience of war had an impact on my entire generation in this regard.”
Italian football, on the other hand, is in enormous difficulty. Is it the mentality that’s lacking?
“Maybe so. But I hope to see you again at the World Cup. I grew up with the legend of Italian football.”
Many compare you and Pirlo…
“I thank them, the comparison honours me: Pirlo is six years older than me, he paved the way. But my idol, Boban aside, was Francesco Totti. In Serie A you had fabulous players. I looked at them and said to myself: that’s the football I want to play.”
What’s your relationship with Allegri?
“I can’t tell you anything until he leaves the room! Jokes aside, he has an incredible personality. He’s a bit like Ancelotti: sensitive, funny, and loves to play pranks. But on the pitch, as a coach, he’s a master. He knows football like few others. I didn’t know him that well, but I’m happy he’s my coach now.”
And Ancelotti?
“Carlo is number one. It’s hard to find the words. For his way of being, not just for his qualities on the bench. We talked many times about Milan and AC Milan when we were in Madrid. This place was unique for him too.
“I remember when I met him. I was alone in the city. He called me and said, ‘Come on, come to dinner with me.’ We talked for hours, about everything. Football, family, life. Usually, coaches don’t trust their players. He does.”
What about Mourinho?
“Special. As a coach and as a person. He was the one who wanted me at Real Madrid. Without Mourinho, I would never have arrived. I’m sorry I only had him for one season.”
The toughest of the three?
“Mourinho. I saw him make Cristiano Ronaldo cry in the dressing room, a man who gives his all on the pitch, because for once he didn’t chase the opposing full-back. Mourinho is very direct with the players, but he’s honest.
“He treated Sergio Ramos and a new signing the same way: if he had to tell you something, he’d tell you. Max is like that too: he tells you to your face what’s right and what’s wrong. Honesty is fundamental.”
What’s your relationship with Ibrahimovic, now a consultant for RedBird, the fund that controls AC Milan?
“Good. When we meet, we speak in our language, Serbo-Croatian, and no one understands us.”
In 2020, Ibrahimovic returned to AC Milan at almost 40. And he won the Scudetto…
“Let’s see if we can do it again. We’re in a good position in the standings, there’s still a long way to go and we have many strong opponents, but it can happen. Never say never. We have a lot of room for improvement, the coach is doing a great job.
“Our goal must always be to aim for the top. We are Milan, and that’s right. For me, being here is like having come full circle. Now, however, let’s take it day by day. In football, as in life, you should never dwell too much on the future. After every match, there’s another.”
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