2 days ago
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Luka Modric has confirmed that he was an AC Milan fan from a very young age, and pledged to give everything for his new club.
Modric became Milan’s second signing of the summer transfer window after Samuele Ricci, and he needs very little introduction given what he has achieved in the game. With 28 trophies at Real Madrid, he is the most decorated player in the history of the club, which is some feat.
He arrives to help rebuild a midfield department that needs help after the exit of Tijjani Reijnders. While his tactical role under Massimiliano Allegri is yet to be determined, the fact he ranks so highly in several key metrics at age 39 says a lot.
Modric’s first interview
Modric spoke to Milan TV in his first official interview since joining the club and he shed light on numerous things, from his decision to join to choosing the number he did. MilanNews transcribed his comments.
There’s a childhood photo of you in a Milan tracksuit…
“It’s a beautiful photo. As a child, I watched Serie A a lot, and Milan were my favorite team. At the time, we in Croatia watched AC Milan a lot because they were one of the most followed clubs in the world.
“My idol, Boban, was also there. Now I’m very happy to be here and I can’t wait to start this new adventure.”
Why did you choose Milan?
“I wanted to stay in Europe to continue playing competitive football. I had other offers, but when Milan called me, it was clear to me. I wanted him from the start. I was also impressed by the fact that sporting director Tare came to Croatia to present the project and Milan to me.
“It was very important to me; it showed me how much they wanted to bring me here. Milan are one of the biggest clubs in Europe. Milan can’t be satisfied with mediocrity; we need to set ourselves the highest possible goals: winning titles and competing with the best teams in the world. That’s why I’m here.”
What will you bring to the dressing room?
“First and foremost, I come with a lot of respect for everyone: players, coaches, and the club in general. I want to bring my hunger to win, help my teammates in every way, and work hard to earn my place in the team. It’s never easy, you have to work hard and fight.”
What are your thoughts on Serie A?
“I’ve watched a lot of Italian football; it’s a very competitive league that’s grown a lot. There are many Croatian players playing in Italy, and I enjoy following my national teammates. There are great teams, good players. It’s a very tactical and physical league.”
You are still going strong at nearly 40 years of age…
“I always say that the most important thing for me is love: love for the game and for football. I still have it, I feel like I still have this fire inside me. That’s what drives me.
“Then there’s also the fact of working hard, preparing to be at my best, and living a healthy life. There are no big secrets, but for me, what matters most is passion and love for football.”
Why the number 14?
“I like this number. I know that at Milan the number 10 is worn by a great player like Leao. He is the present and the future of Milan. Since the number 10 wasn’t available, I had to choose another one.
“I took 14 because I like it, I also wore it for the national team, at the beginning of my career and at Tottenham. I brought it, I hope it will do well here too.”
Do you have any unfulfilled dreams?
“I’ve achieved so many goals, more than I ever expected. I’m happy and grateful for what I’ve accomplished. I’m never satisfied; I always want more, especially professionally. When you win, you always want to do it again. That’s why I still have the desire and hunger to win.”
What are you like away from the field?
“Off the pitch, I’ve done everything I wanted: I have a beautiful family, a wife, and three children. That’s the most important thing to me; I don’t need anything else.
“With my wife, I just want to pass on important values to my children: to be respectful and humble, as my parents taught me and my sisters. That’s what I have, and I’m very happy and grateful for it.”
A message for the fans?
“I’m really happy to be at AC Milan. I can’t wait to see you at San Siro. We hope to make you happy and give you many wonderful moments this season, to make you proud of us and celebrate many victories together. Forza Milan!”
English (US) ·