Modrić Emotional About Baresi: This Season We Want the Scudetto
The Croatian captain speaks for the first time since extending his contract about staying at Milan, the new signings, and the big goals for the upcoming season.
The Croatian captain speaks for the first time since extending his contract about staying at Milan, the new signings, and the big goals for the upcoming season.
Luka Modrić, the Croatian captain and Milan player, has spoken publicly for the first time since extending his contract, addressing the media from Perth, Australia, where the club is preparing for the new season. In an emotional interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 40-year-old midfielder touched on a range of topics, from paying tribute to the late Franco Baresi, to the reasons behind his decision to stay, and his ambitions for the season ahead.
Modrić spoke with great reverence about the legendary Franco Baresi, a symbol of Milan, who was laid to rest on Tuesday in northern Italy. Milan players were unable to attend the funeral due to their preparations on the other side of the world.
"For me, Baresi was the symbol of Milan. He was one of the greatest, perhaps the greatest symbol of this club, a very humble person and a leader whom others saw as a true example. This is a huge loss for all Milan fans. I met him a few years ago when I played for Real Madrid against Milan in Los Angeles. We never spoke, but he is one of those players who make you fall in love with a club as a child and whom you admire. I saw him and often told myself-this is how you should behave and play football," said Modrić.
He added that he has always loved Milan, primarily because of Zvonimir Boban, but also because of players like Baresi, who inspired him. Italian journalists suggested that his leadership qualities reminded them of Baresi, to which Modrić replied: "Yes, he was a leader who doesn't say much. Our goal this season could be the Italian title, which we could dedicate to Baresi. That would be extraordinary, like a dream. We will work hard to make it happen."
Modrić revealed that he could have signed the contract extension back in December, but he wanted to listen to his body and check if he still had the same fire. The answer came back positive.
"I always had in mind that I wanted to stay for another year. In December, I could have signed, but I wanted to listen to my body and understand how I felt, whether I still had the same fire... I got the expected answer, that I'm still doing well, that I want to continue, and that I have everything I need to move forward. When I also saw how much the Milan management wanted me, I removed any doubt. Milan showed me trust and affection during and after the World Cup, and that's all a footballer wants," he emphasized.
He also reflected on last season, in which Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League, which was a huge disappointment for him. "Unfortunately, last season we didn't achieve the minimum goal of qualifying for the Champions League, which left me frustrated and disappointed. Maybe at one point we felt too confident and then suddenly dropped off. I want to create a better season for all of us," he said.
The main reason for staying, as he says, is the fantastic reception he received in his first year. "I had a great time in Milan in my first year; the club and the fans showed me affection and supported me. That's the main reason I stayed. This is the best place for me; I want to continue enjoying the game, and I still feel the same passion and desire as always."
Modrić has positive impressions of the new coach, Ruben Amorim. They have spoken several times during the summer, and he hopes they will remain on the same wavelength. "He will bring new ideas, and we will try to do everything he asks of us."
He specifically commented on the new signing, Gonçalo Ramos, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in a transfer worth 74 million euros, making him the most expensive incoming transfer in the club's history. "He's a great striker, exactly what we were missing in the past. I recently had a bad experience with him; I don't really want to go back to that topic because it's not a pleasant memory," said Modrić, alluding to Ramos's role in eliminating Croatia from the World Cup.
On the status of Rafael Leão, Modrić was clear: "I won't give him advice, but it would be fantastic if he stayed at the club because, when he's in top form, he's one of the best attackers in the world. We'll see what happens, but I'd love to have Rafa in our team."
Despite having won six Champions League titles and carrying 40 years on his back, Modrić hasn't lost his motivation. "When I arrived, I said I wanted to string together wins. It's the same today. We'll see if it's enough for the Scudetto. I stayed to help, not to have fun," concluded the Croatian captain.
