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Luka Modric received recognition at the Gazzetta Sports Awards last night, and he spoke about various topics regarding his new life at AC Milan.
Modric gets applause for what he does on the field, and also off it. At last night’s Gazzetta Sports Awards, the first roar in the room went to the former Ballon d’Or winner and six-time Champions League winner.
Wearing a black suit and white shirt, the Croatian ace arrived accompanied by two of his children, Ivano and Ema. First, photos and handshakes were held with RCS MediaGroup president Urbano Cairo, Inter president Beppe Marotta, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez and Torino striker Che Adams.
Then the event began, with the Rossoneri No.14 taking the stage first. President Cairo and Fiera Milano CEO Francesco Conci presented him with the Legend 2025 award. Cairo said: “It’s a well-deserved award, and having such a champion in Serie A is extraordinary for our movement.
“I saw him on Monday in Turin [in Milan’s 3-2 comeback win] and I preferred… not to see him (smiles). I think he was born in 1995 [he was actually born in 1985], but then he got older.” Luka laughed at the joke, and then answered some questions.
How do you manage to be so decisive at 40, and above all, play with such consistency?
“I feel good, physically and mentally, and I enjoy what I do. I want to keep going because I enjoy it. Everything is going the way I wanted.”
Milan are top of the table, fighting for the Scudetto. It doesn’t get any better than this…
“I think we’re doing a good job, and the goal is to keep going even though there are many teams fighting for first place. It’s tough, but we’re moving forward. With confidence.”
What are the differences between Italian and Spanish football?
“From abroad, you might not realise how difficult Serie A is, but I assure you, yours is a very tough and competitive league. I wasn’t surprised because I was prepared: I’ve known it since I was a kid, watching it on TV, and I’ve continued to follow it over the years. I knew what I’d find, and I was ready.”
Is that why you didn’t have any problems settling in at Milan?
“I’m happy because I play for what I think is the biggest Italian club. I enjoy every day I’m at Milanello and wearing the Rossoneri shirt.
“I never thought I’d be able to come to Milan until I was at Real Madrid, but in life, sometimes things happen when you least expect them. It was a dream come true because I’ve been a Milan fan since I was a kid.”
At Milanello you met Massimiliano Allegri. What’s your relationship with him like?
“He’s a great coach, a winner, a winner, a winner. I enjoy working with him, and he’s surprised me with his personality. He has a great ability to create a rapport with the dressing room because he’s used to managing great champions: he helps you give your all and keeps you calm, making it easier to do what you have to do.”
What’s it like to live in Milano?
“Good. My family and I get along well. I understand Italian too, but let’s just say I speak other languages better: Croatian, English, and Spanish. But little by little, I’ll learn Italian too.”
The fans are crazy about you and your magic touch…
“I’m happy. San Siro is a special stadium and our fans are exceptional.”
Speaking of Italian and Italy, Croatia have already qualified. Are you expecting the Azzurri at the World Cup next summer?
“It would be a tragedy for you to miss your third World Cup in a row… I hope Italy qualifies because all the best teams will be there at the next World Cup, and Italy is one of the best. So they have to be there.”
Are you reassuring us?
“The play-offs are always tough, but I hope Italy qualify. I look forward to seeing you…”
Meanwhile, the draw gave you England, Ghana and Panama…
“England is… England, one of the strongest national teams around, but we don’t underestimate anyone. We’re in a tough group and we have to prepare well. But the World Cup is still a long way off, and now we have to focus on the present and on Milan because we want to continue on this path.”
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