Luka Modrić: 'That man left a bitter taste in my mouth, it's not a fond memory'

Luka Modrić, captain of the Croatian national team, after officially confirming his stay at Milan, decided to reveal to the public what lay behind that decision. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 40-year-old midfielder admitted that he deliberately waited before signing, even though he had long known the answer in his mind.

"I already had the desire in my head to continue for another year. I could have signed the contract back in December, but I didn't because I wanted to listen to my body; I had to see if I was still as hungry for success, if I still had the same desire and passion for playing football. The answers were ultimately what I expected: I still feel good, I have the passion and everything needed to continue," Modrić explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The player, who will soon turn 41, highlighted what was decisive in his decision. "Milan showed me last year what every footballer wants: trust and loyalty. The club and the fans were by my side at every moment, and that was the main reason I decided to stay," he stated.

In the spirit of remembrance

The Croatian midfielder also touched on the departure of Franco Baresi, a club legend, admitting how much he meant to him since childhood. "Baresi represented the essence of Milan for me. He was one of the greatest symbols of this club, a humble man and a leader who led by example. That's a huge loss for Milan and all the fans," he emphasized.

He recalled how his love for the club grew by watching his compatriot Zvonimir Boban, as well as role models like Baresi. "When you fall in love with a club as a child, there are players you take as an example. Even though he didn't play in my position, I admired him and thought: this is how you should behave and play football," he added.

That is precisely why winning trophies and dedicating them to the late legend has become an additional motivation. "That can be a great goal for us: to win the title and dedicate it to Franco. Because of his legacy. It would be something extraordinary, beautiful, a real dream. We will work hard to achieve it," he said.

Dissatisfaction with last season

Modrić, who played 37 matches last season, did not hide his disappointment with the final standing. "We didn't finish well and we didn't achieve the minimum goal, which was qualifying for the Champions League. It was frustrating. I'm sorry that due to injury I couldn't help the team in the most important matches at the end of the season," he admitted.

New winds in the dressing room

He welcomed the arrival of Rúben Amorim as coach with a dose of optimism. "I believe the coach will bring new ideas, and we will try to do everything he asks of us. I hope we will be on the same wavelength and that everything will work well," he commented.

He also praised the new striker, Gonçalo Ramos. "I've followed him a lot, and he's a fantastic striker. Maybe he's exactly the player we were missing. I hope he continues to do great things as he did at his previous clubs before Milan," he said. Regarding Rafael Leão's status, Modrić made it clear that he wants him to stay.

"I don't want to give him advice; Rafa is mature enough to know what's best for him. He's a great player, and it's nice to have him here. If he stays, that would be great for us because, when he's in top form, he's one of the best players in the world. As a footballer, of course I want Rafa on my team," he stressed.

Motivation still at its peak

Despite a decorated career at Real Madrid, where he won 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles, Modrić dismisses claims that his motivation has waned. "When I first came here, I said I wanted to win with Milan, and that dream is still the same. I want to win trophies wearing this shirt. I don't know if it will be the Scudetto or another title, but my goal hasn't changed. I didn't come here to have fun or pass the time. I move forward with a clear dream and goal," he concluded.