Luka Modric has shed light on his decision to join AC Milan, as well as his first impressions and what he hopes to bring to the team.
In the end, the deal to bring Modric to Milan materialised very quickly. It accelerated from initial expressions of interest from the new sporting director Igli Tare to an agreement over personal terms, and everything was made official last month.
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The Croatian took part in the FIFA Club World Cup as a final hurrah with Real Madrid, and then went on a post-tournament vacation after doing his medical and signing for the Rossoneri. Tomorrow – Tuesday 5 August – should be his first training session at Milanello, and he will begin to impart some of his wisdom.
Modric unveiled
First, though, it was time for Modric’s unveiling press conference at Casa Milan. He answered questions from the journalists present, and his words were relayed by MilanNews.
How did you spend your holidays? How did the team look on tour in your eyes?
“I had three weeks off. I rested, but I also trained to get in the best possible physical condition. I watched the games against Arsenal and Liverpool and saw many positives. I hope the team can continue to grow. I can’t wait to get to know the team and train with them.”
Is there always time to get excited even at your age?
“Yes, regardless of age, there’s always time to get emotional. I recently had an emotional farewell with Real Madrid, and you can get emotional at any age.
“I grew up watching Italian football, and Milan were my favorite team in Italy: my idol, Boban, was there and did very well there. I’ve always had a special affection for the Rossoneri colours.”
What is your aim at Milan?
“I said this because we all remember Milan as one of the best teams in the world. We can’t settle for a mediocre season or qualifying for the Champions League. As for my vision for Milan, we also need to be humble: we need to work hard to bring the team back to the highest levels.
“I’m very competitive; I want to bring this to the team. The minimum objective is qualifying for the Champions League, but Milan must fight to win trophies: that’s my goal, and it should be the same for everyone who works at Milan. But we need to stay humble and have a solid team.”
What can you bring to Milan? What do you expect from Serie A?
“My experience. I’ll work hard, I’ll give it my all to try to do everything I’ve done elsewhere. I have to do exactly what I’ve done at other clubs, trying to help in every way. I know there are a lot of expectations on me, but I’m ready for this challenge.
“I follow Serie A a lot because there are so many Croatian players playing. You can see it’s a competitive league and it’s getting back to its level. Tactically, the teams are very organised: this makes it different from LaLiga. I have to adapt to this way of playing here in Italy as soon as possible.”
Have you spoken to anyone – maybe Ibrahimovic or Boban – about Milan?
“I haven’t spoken to Boban lately, but since we have a great relationship, we talked a lot about Milan when we met in the past. I met Zlatan and he told me about Milan. Ancelotti spoke highly of Milan, everything was very positive. I had that impression regardless.
“Milan are a great club, very important, and with great fans. But when they talk to you like that about a club, you get an even better impression. The last time I came here, the organisation and welcome were impressive.”
A few years ago you beat Allegri in the Champions League final…
“It’s probably not a good memory for him, but I’ll try not to talk about it too much (laughs). I don’t want the coach to get angry with me. I can’t wait to meet him; I’ve spoken to him a bit.
“I’m very happy to be coached by Allegri; he’s one of the best in the world, a winner. I can’t wait to see how he sees me on the pitch with this team.”
Is this your last dance?
“I don’t know, it’s too early to say. My goal is clearly to play in the World Cup next year, but first we have to qualify. But I’m not looking too far ahead; the important thing is to live in the present and do things well.
“I want to start this new adventure, prepare myself as best I can to ensure I’m at the level this club demands. There will be time for the future; I have to stay focused on the present and give my all for Milan.”
Can you tell us about the moment of your decision? Tare’s trip to Croatia… how did this decision come about?
“It was a very easy decision when Tare called me. When he came to Croatia, it was very important. It showed how much Milan cared about me and how much they believed I could perform at a high level.
“It was the turning point in the negotiations: when someone comes along and wants to buy you, it’s important that they explain their project to you. Then I needed some time to talk to my family, but deep down I knew it would be the best choice.
“I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly, but it shows the faith they’ve shown in me: I hope I can repay it on the pitch.”
Where would you like to play on the field?
We’ve spoken a bit with the coach, and I think everyone knows where I feel most comfortable on the pitch: in the middle of the field, where I can dictate the tempo and make sure the team plays well.
“I still have to talk to the coach to understand where he wants me to play. From there, I have to give my all, play well, and help the team: it’s the role I’ve always had throughout my life. But I’ve also played in other positions.
“The team remains the priority, the individual is never important. This must be our mentality: there’s no one above the team. I’m here to do what the coach asks.”
What struck you about the group so far?
“I’ve seen several positive aspects, but these are just friendlies: it’s difficult to give opinions at this stage of the season. There are many champions in the squad, the coach will decide the formation.
“I saw an excellent team, I think there’s a great atmosphere on the pitch, and that’s also important when you want to build a strong group. I don’t want to talk about individuals, but there are many top players in the team.”
Only Milan and Real Madrid have won more Champions Leagues than you. Is your dream to bring the Scudetto back to Milan like Ibrahimovic did?
“Of course, I knew about Milan’s seven Champions League wins, the most successful team in Europe after Real Madrid. I hope something similar can happen to what happened when Ibrahimovic returned; I’d be delighted.”
There’s talk of Galliani’s possible return to Milan. Do you know anything about it?
“I haven’t spoken to him. I know he was part of the group that did extraordinary things with Milan. But that’s all I can say about it. However, what he did with Berlusconi was incredible: Milan was one of the strongest teams in the world, but I haven’t spoken to him.”
What did Ancelotti tell you about Milan?
“We talked about the club in general, the people at San Siro, and the fact that it’s a very demanding club like Real Madrid, there’s a lot of pressure. But he didn’t convince me to sign for Milan; I already knew I wanted to do it.”
How do you feel after the club finished eighth last season?
“I have positive feelings. It’s clear that last season didn’t go well; the team finished eighth. But we need to learn from these experiences.
“If Milan can play like they did last year against us at the Bernabeu – I don’t know what the problem was, why they don’t always play like that – then the level is very high. We need to work to keep it that way.”
Rakitic told Milan fans that they don’t know how lucky they are to have you…
“Ivan and I are great friends, we have a great relationship. He wrote me a beautiful message and I’m very happy about it. I’m the one who’s lucky to be part of this huge club and I don’t take it for granted at all.”
What can your offer besides your passion?
“My humility, my work ethic, my simplicity. The fact that I’m simply Luka Modric. I don’t see myself as anyone special; I’m a normal guy who loves playing football and I’m lucky to be able to play for Milan. I’m grateful for this opportunity, I’m very excited, and I hope it goes as I expected.”
Do you feel the responsibility of being a leader and mentor in the dressing room?
“It’s a great feeling to have the opportunity to help the team, but I repeat: individuals alone can’t do anything. You can’t make a difference alone; you have to create a team within which individuals can perform at their best. I’m here to give my all, as I have throughout my career.”
I really hope he does well. I actually have no idea what to expect. So I’ll be happy if he surprises me in a good way.
In my country India we have a saying…Even a dead Elephant Costs One Lakh Rupees….
This saying is from those olden days when one lakh rupees would have fetched you a quarter of Kolkata city or a full tier 2 city. Today one lakh rupee might just get you the cheapest model of the latest iphone.
Great players even when old can dictate with experience and class. Didn’t Ibra do it? Modric also will.
He might not be able to run 90 minutes like Liberali or Leao…but age is temporary but class is always permanent.
Just a couple of moments of brilliance and we will see see Leao racing to an open goal or Gimenez with only the goalkeeper to beat….Just one pass and Bastoni will never know what went past him. 2 seconds of sudden brilliance and excellence out of nowhere. That is what Modric is going to being.
Class is Always Permanent….Even a Dead Elephant Coats One Lakh Rupees….and Modric is just 40.
Agree with you completely…….from another Milanista from India.
I think he will be great, and will surprise us… He is used to high tempo games and high pressing , so it will be easier for him in Serie A to find space for these killer pass…. Same with De Bryune
Many people think he will be marginal for Milan in the next season because of his age. My opinion, if he can stay healthy for whole season, he will be named the player of Serie A . Last season Modric played around 50 games for Real. He’s a machine, world class.