Another work of art to be displayed in the personal museum of Luka Modric’s great nights. The Croatian champion also dictated play in midfield against Inter, delivering a superb performance in Milan’s 3-1 derby victory. The statistic that stands out most concerns ball recoveries, an impressive five over the course of the ninety minutes. Modric is not only about quality passing, beautifully delivered crosses and precise plays, but also positioning ability and ball recoveries in the crucial central area of the pitch.
At 41 years of age, having celebrated his birthday a few weeks ago, Modric continues to enchant.
His teammates are all fascinated by the work ethic and willingness to make sacrifices that the Croatian has brought to Milanello, while at the same time the San Siro crowd falls in love with his play all over again every time, as relayed via Corriere dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
"It was an incredible victory, perhaps our best match of the season," said the former Real Madrid player after the derby. "Overall, we deserved the victory and we are really happy after the disappointing result in midweek against Bologna."
Here is Modric’s winning mentality:
The celebration of having won the derby, but immediately followed by a reference to what needs to be improved, to the mistakes that must not be repeated during the season.
"Unfortunately, if we want to achieve something important, we cannot afford to lose matches like the one against Bologna."
Because the three points lost at home against Palladino’s team have left their mark on the dressing room, and Modric has reiterated this several times to his teammates as well.
Nevertheless, the Croatian is satisfied with what the group is doing under the guidance of Ruben Amorim.
A new project, which involves some risks, but also the desire to turn the page on the recent past:
"We are growing as a team, there are new ideas of play. Sometimes there will be ups and downs, but we must try to reduce the latter to a minimum if we want to win titles."
Against the Nerazzurri, Milan also won thanks to the support of the stadium:
“The atmosphere was incredible. Since I arrived here, the atmosphere has always been fantastic, in every match, but especially in matches like derbies.”
The Rossoneri, with 21 points from 10 matches, are in the running for a place in the Champions League, but Modric sees the victory against Inter as an opportunity to turn the season around.
Modric's motivation:
The experienced midfielder could be playing his final year in the Rossoneri shirt. His contract expires next June, but he has not yet decided what he will do next year.
For the moment, he is enjoying the present, convinced that the decision he made in the summer was the right one:
"I feel good at Milan, here I feel loved and appreciated. I spoke with the club and with the new coach and I wanted to stay because I feel good here, I love this game, I enjoy myself."
Not only that, but also because his mission is to help his teammates:
"I stayed to help the team and the younger players grow."
The objective always remains the same: to try to win some trophies wearing the Rossoneri shirt before retirement.
