Age is just a number. Perhaps a cliché, but not when we are talking about Luka Modrić. Because the Milan star truly does not feel the weight of the years. Want to hear the latest? In Croatia, there are already people trying to convince him to change his mind about retiring from international football, despite being on the verge of turning 41 in early September. We’ll get to that later. For now, Ruben Amorim appears to have no doubts: in his Diavolo’s Serie A opener against Torino on Sunday evening, the keys to Milan’s midfield will be handed to Lukita. Just as they were last season under Massimiliano Allegri. The coaches change, the philosophies change completely and... Modrić keeps playing.
By the way, as the season is getting closer to its official start, supporters tracking every development of this fresh Milan chapter: from contract talks to pre-season form, have even been checking the latest odds and match insights on different platforms. One platform in particular is nv casino online, which offers a great resource for several fans looking to pass the time before the kick-off of the Serie A opener against Torino to see what kind of performance Modric and his teammates will deliver under Amorim’s guidance.
Over the summer, Luka kept Milan fans waiting over his decision on whether or not to continue lighting up San Siro. We won’t deny it: there were moments when the feeling that the Croatian might hang up his boots and leave Milan was strong. Instead, Modrić stayed “to win”, as he recently reiterated in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, signing a new contract and continuing his Rossoneri adventure. In the end, it was a purely footballing decision, given that the rest of his family (his wife and three children) will move to Madrid together for educational reasons. After the World Cup, Modrić rejoined his team-mates directly in Australia on 2 August. Three days later, Luka was already on the pitch in the friendly against Inter. On 8 August in Jakarta, he made his first start against Chelsea, while in the final pre-season test against Manchester United on 15 August, he began on the bench due to a minor physical issue, before coming on and providing the decisive spark in the comeback victory. Modrić already looked sharp, ready to embark on yet another season as a key protagonist. And, with Mike Maignan absent, he also wore the Milan captain’s armband.
Fundamental:
Even before coaching him, Amorim had made it clear how important it was to have a player of the former Ballon d’Or winner’s calibre in the squad. “I consider him fundamental. I’m not saying he’ll be able to play every match, but especially at the beginning he can give us a great deal,” the Portuguese coach said at the start of July when speaking about the Croatian midfielder. Amorim believes Modrić can play a major role in helping his footballing ideas take root quickly at the new Milan. The credit goes to the combination of experience, tactical intelligence and technical leadership that only Luka can bring to the pitch, even at his age.
Croatia:
As a result, Modrić will start against Torino, with either Musah, who is the favourite, or Jashari likely to line up alongside him. As for the future, it remains to be seen if and when Amorim will give him a rest. Milan will certainly also be keeping an eye on the moves of Croatia’s new head coach, Slaven Bilić. He previously coached Lukita with the national team from 2006 to 2012 and knows what it would mean to begin a new era without the veteran’s contribution.
For this reason, the coach is trying to convince Modrić to return to represent his country, despite his announcement that he would retire from international football after the World Cup. Bilić has even said so publicly. “One of the first things I will do is speak to Modrić. I would like him to continue with the national team.” And he quickly followed his words with action, meeting Luka and explicitly asking him to continue wearing the famous red-and-white chequered shirt.
If the midfielder accepts, it would mean adding Croatia commitments to an already packed schedule (Milan will be playing in the Europa League) on top of his club duties. An additional workload that the Rossoneri would be more than happy to avoid. Ultimately, however, the decision will be Modrić’s alone.
Amorim:
Milan, in fact, have complete faith in Luka. Very few players know how to manage themselves as well as the Croatian. And equally few coaches would willingly do without him. If Bilić wants him back in the national team, Amorim is cherishing him every day at Milanello. One detail you may not have noticed: they are the same age, both born in 1985. But then again, isn't age just a number?
