Luka Modric, the newest AC Milan acquisition, gave the following words to the Rossoneri club's official channel, as transcribed via Milannews.it.
On the childhood photo wearing a Milan tracksuit:
"It’s a beautiful photo. As a child, I watched Serie A a lot, and Milan was my favorite team. At that time in Croatia, we watched Milan a lot because it was one of the most followed clubs in the world. My idol Boban was also there. Now I’m very happy to be here and I can’t wait to start this new adventure."
On why he chose AC Milan:
"I wanted to stay in Europe to continue playing competitive football. I had other offers, but when Milan called me, it was clear. I wanted it from the first minute. I was also impressed by the fact that sporting director Tare came to Croatia to present the project and everything about Milan to me. That was very important to me; it showed me how much they wanted to bring me here. Then, Milan is one of the biggest clubs in Europe. Milan cannot be satisfied with mediocrity, you must set the highest possible goals: to win titles and compete with the best teams in the world. That’s why I’m here."
On what he thinks he can bring to the Milan dressing room:
"First of all, I come with great respect for everyone: players, coaches, and the club in general. I want to bring my hunger to win, help my teammates in every way, and work hard to earn my place in the team. It’s never easy—you have to work hard and fight."
On Serie A:
"I’ve watched a lot of Italian football; it’s a very competitive league that has grown a lot. There are many Croatian players who play in Italy, and I like to follow my national teammates. There are great teams, good players. It’s a very tactical and physical league."
On his football longevity, Modric commented:
"I always say that for me the most important thing is love: love for the game and for football. I still have it; I feel that I still have this fire inside me. That’s what drives me. Then there’s also working well, preparing to be at your best, and living a healthy life. There are no great secrets, but for me what matters most are passion and love for football."
On the number 14:
"I like this number. I know that at Milan the number 10 is worn by a great player like Leao. He is the present and the future of Milan. Since 10 wasn’t available, I had to choose another. I took 14 because I like it; I also wore it for the national team, at the beginning of my career, and at Tottenham. I wore it, and I hope it goes well here too."
On his dreams still to be fulfilled:
"I’ve achieved many goals—more than I would have expected. I’m happy and grateful for what I’ve done. I never feel satisfied, I always want more, especially on a professional level. When you win, when you have that feeling, you always want to experience it again. That’s why I still have the desire and hunger to win."
On his life off the pitch:
"Off the pitch, I’ve done everything I wanted: I have a beautiful family, a wife, and three children. That is the most important thing for me; I don’t need anything else. With my wife, I just want to pass on important values to my children: to be respectful and humble, just as my parents taught me and my sisters. That’s what I have, and I’m very happy and grateful for it."
Modric closed the interview with this message to Milan fans:
"I’m really happy to be at Milan. I can’t wait to see you at San Siro. We hope to make you happy and give you many beautiful moments this season to make you proud of us and celebrate many victories together. Forza Milan!"
