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Luka Modric is the signing that many will recognise above all for AC Milan this summer. However, he does not want to be a centre-piece.
There have been several high-quality signings made by Milan so far, but Modric certainly stands out. A player in his own category, a Ballon d’Or winner, a footballing legend. You don’t see players like the Croatian often, let alone sign them.
The Rossoneri did, though. When the opportunity arose, they were there and they took the action required.
Of course, he arrives with doubts. He is getting on, and there are certainly questions about how this will affect his game. For Modric, though, it is a chance to realise a dream and try to restore his favourite club to their best.
Modric’s interview
Moving to the Diavolo is obviously a bit of a risk. After an eighth-place finish, there are a lot of questions surrounding the wider club, too. However, the faith is there in the project from the midfielder, which only serves as a positive.
Today, he spoke to DAZN (via MilanNews) about the move and the future.
After all the trophies you’ve won, at 39, you still talk about your love for the game. Is that your secret?
“Yes, that’s definitely the case. That’s why I seek new challenges. That’s why I want to keep playing and competing at a high level. It’s because of my love for football; I still have passion and motivation for what I do. Maybe I could have made an easier choice; I could have gone to other leagues that weren’t as competitive, but that wouldn’t have been me. It’s not my way.
“When I play football, I want to do it at the highest level possible. When I’m no longer capable, I’ll stop, but, as I told you, I feel great, I love this game, I have passion and motivation, and those are the reasons I’m here.”
What do you want to give to this group?
“I want to bring… I want to do what I’ve always done in my career. Play my football, lend a hand when needed, and bring experience, a winning mentality, and be helpful to my teammates and in everything, in every aspect, whenever needed.”
Why did you choose Milan?
The main reason I chose AC Milan is the greatness of the club: it’s one of the best teams in the world. This photo [of him wearing an AC Milan tracksuit as a child with his parents] is a beautiful memory; it shows how popular AC Milan was at the time, especially in Croatia.
“I grew up watching your league, and AC Milan was my favourite team as a child, especially because of Zvonimir Boban, who played here: he was my idol as a child. These are the reasons I chose AC Milan. And that photo is a great memory.
“The first time I came here to sign the contract, I immediately felt that this club is special. You can feel the aura of greatness that the club has: it has won seven Champions Leagues, second only to Real Madrid. That says it all.
“Everything here is at the highest level: the people who work for the club, the fans, the stadium…”
On Carlo Ancelotti, whom he consulted before moving to Milan:
I spoke with Ancelotti before I signed for the Rossoneri, and he only had great things to say about Milan. Obviously, I already knew them beforehand, but when someone like Carlo, who was both a player and a coach here, tells you those things, you gain an even clearer understanding of the club and the atmosphere.
“We talked about it. Even in our conversations before I signed, we sometimes talked about Milan, and he told me wonderful things.”
You’re the thirteenth Ballon d’Or winner to wear the AC Milan jersey… You’re on the list with van Basten, Gullit, Ronaldo, Baggio, Shevchenko, and Kaká. Among all these names, do you consider yourself a legend of the sport?
“It’s quite a list, to be honest [laughs]. They prefer to let others speak and say whether I’m a legend or not. What I can say is that I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved in football. Maybe I’ve achieved even more than I expected. And that’s why I’m happy.
“It’s not up to me to say whether I’m a legend or not; I prefer to let others speak for me. But I repeat, I’m very proud and happy with everything I’ve achieved in my career.”
“Milan can’t settle for mediocrity and must compete with the best teams in Europe.” So, what is the goal of this new adventure for Luka Modric and for Milan?
“Yes, it was very important that the sporting director came to Croatia to present AC Milan’s project to me. It shows how much they care about me, how much they respect me. And I needed to take this step and sign for AC Milan. Our goal? AC Milan didn’t have the best season last year; they finished eighth.
“Obviously, we have to aim high to return to the Champions League; that’s the minimum objective. As for me, I came here after winning many trophies at Real Madrid: I’m a person who always wants to win, even in training. And that’s why I hope to win trophies with AC Milan too: that’s my goal, and I’ll give it my all.
“We need to create a good atmosphere, have a strong squad, and everything will be easier.”
You were Real Madrid’s number 10 for many years. At AC Milan, the number 10 is worn by Rafael Leao. Do you consider him a top player in European football?
“Absolutely. For me, he’s a world-class player. And Milan is happy to have players of this calibre. I’ve played against him several times, both at club and national level, and you immediately understand the type of player he is. For me, without a doubt, he’s a world-class player.”
When you were younger, did you choose number 14 for Johan Cruyff? Did you know that Cruyff wore number 14 in a friendly against AC Milan? It was probably fate.
“My first number was 14, then I kept it at Tottenham and did well there. And that’s why, being free, I wanted to choose it again. Cruijff is the symbol of this number, the player who gave importance to 14 and made it special. It’s a pleasure to wear it.”
You won your first trophy as a child in Alzano Lombardo. And when you played against Atalanta, you swapped jerseys with the Immacolata boys, the team that organised that tournament. Can you tell us more about this episode?
“When I started my career as a young man in Zadar, we travelled often to tournaments in Italy. We went to Genoa, Senigallia, and even Alzano. We won the trophy, I was awarded best player, and I have wonderful memories of that tournament.
“The last time we played in Bergamo, they came wearing the Immacolata jersey, and I gave them mine. It was nice to remember that moment, because that tournament has a special meaning to me.”
What do you think of Italian football? How exciting will it be to play the Milan derby against Inter?
“I’ve played against Italian teams many times, and you can immediately see their quality. How organised and competitive they are. So it will be a great challenge to adapt as quickly as possible, understand what the coach wants from me, where he wants me to play, and do what I’ve always done. I’ve watched a lot of Milan derbies.
“I can’t wait to play in the derby; these are the best matches to experience on the pitch. I often watched the Milan-Inter matches; I really enjoy playing this type of match, and I can’t wait to do it in the Rossoneri jersey.
“Will I face my compatriot Sučić? Yes, we’ll see each other on the pitch. He has a great future ahead of him. He’s already proven himself to be an excellent player, very talented, and has performed very well both with the national team and with Dinamo Zagreb. Now I wish him the best. But not against us!
What is the secret of his footballing longevity?
“Everyone asks the same question, but the truth is, there are no secrets. For me, it’s simply the love for the game, the passion I still have. And then, of course, there are other important things like nutrition, training… I live for football, 24/7. And perhaps that’s precisely why I can compete at this level.
“I still have football dreams, and that’s also why I came here to Milan. It’s a childhood dream, but as I’ve always said, I’m here to win trophies with Milan. That’s my dream. But family is part of all this, and that’s the most important thing.
“My focus is always on them. Even though I live for football and enjoy it, family is at the center of my daily focus.”
English (US) ·