The Croatian captain received a hero's welcome from his compatriots during Milan's training camp in Perth, with the Rossoneri boss announcing his involvement in the derby against Inter and revealing insights into his character.
Luka Modrić's arrival at Milan's training camp in Australia turned into a spectacle for the local Croatian community. At the club event in Burswood, the Croatian national team captain met with enthusiastic fans who gave him an unforgettable ovation.
A brief chat on stage quickly escalated into fan euphoria. When Modrić, asked how he was settling in Perth, mentioned that he was especially delighted to meet so many Croats, the crowd erupted.
From the crowd, chants of "Luka, Luka!" rang out, and the gathered Croatian supporters immediately broke into the popular song "Zovi, samo zovi" (Call, Just Call). Modrić took it all in with a smile, and once the passion subsided, the conversation could continue.
Ahead of the derby against Inter, part of the summer preparations in Australia, Milan coach Ruben Amorim spoke about the Croatian maestro. At a press conference on August 4, 2026, the Portuguese confirmed that Modrić would get his minutes.
"Tomorrow Modrić will play as well; everyone will get their share of minutes because we don't have much time for training, so we have to build fitness through matches," said Amorim, also revealing what the Vatreni captain is like off the pitch.
"Luka is an incredibly humble man and doesn't like all the attention he attracts at all. He possesses vast experience, but I will treat him like any other player. He'll have to fight for his place in the team like everyone else, even though, of course, he is a special player."
Amorim emphasized that the club went to great lengths to keep Modrić for at least one more season and that he is thrilled to have him in the dressing room. In an emotional part of the press conference, the Portuguese coach also paid a touching tribute to the late club legend Franco Baresi, highlighting his loyalty during the toughest times.
Despite numerous transfer window speculations, Amorim stated he is satisfied with the current squad and would have no issues entering the new Serie A season with the existing players.
"I'm happy with the team, and we are building our playing philosophy. If we have to start the championship with this squad, I believe we'll be competitive in every match. Inter may have won more trophies recently, but Milan represents something that money can't buy. It's a club you support from a young age, and we want to prove that on the pitch," concluded the Rossoneri coach.
