Modric Opens Up: I Have a Bad Experience with That Man
Croatian captain speaks publicly for the first time after extending his contract with Milan, revealing details about the decision, memories of Baresi, and his relationship with the new coach
Croatian captain speaks publicly for the first time after extending his contract with Milan, revealing details about the decision, memories of Baresi, and his relationship with the new coach
After officially extending his commitment to Italian club AC Milan, Luka Modric, captain of the Croatian national team, decided to share the background behind that decision. In an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 40-year-old midfielder explained how he deliberately delayed signing even though he already knew in his heart what he wanted.
"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 turned out to be what I expected: I still feel good, I have the passion and everything needed to continue," Modric explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The player, who will celebrate his 41st birthday in a month, highlighted the decisive factor in the whole story. "Milan showed me last year what every footballer wants, trust and affection. The club and the fans were behind me at every moment, and that was the main reason I decided to stay," he stated.
The Croatian international also touched on the passing of Franco Baresi, the club's long-time captain, emphasizing 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. This is a huge loss for Milan and all the fans," he stressed.
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.
Reflecting on the past season in which he made 37 appearances, Modric did not hide his dissatisfaction 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.
He also welcomed the new coach on the bench, Ruben Amorim, with 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 had kind words for the new addition to the attack, Portuguese international 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 the status of his compatriot Rafael Leão, Modric was clear in his desire to keep him in the squad.
"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 emphasized.
Although he won 28 trophies with Real Madrid, including six Champions League titles, Modric dismissed the notion 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 jersey. 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'm moving forward with a clear dream and goal," he concluded.
