AC Milan's midfield addition, Luka Modric, is finally in town. He has spoken to the media in a press conference to present himself.
How did you spend your holidays? What did you think of the team on tour?
“I had three weeks off. I rested, but I also trained to reach the best possible physical condition. I watched the matches against Arsenal and Liverpool and saw many positive aspects. I hope the team can continue to grow. I’m looking forward to getting to know the squad and training with them.”
Is there still time to get emotional, even at your age?
“Yes, regardless of age, there’s always time to feel emotions. Lately, I had an emotional farewell with Real. You can be moved at any age. I grew up watching Italian football, Milan was my favorite team in Italy because my idol Boban played there and did very well. I’ve always had a special affection for the Rossoneri colors.”
What’s your goal at Milan?
“I said what I did because we all remember Milan as one of the best teams in the world. We can’t be satisfied with a mediocre season or just qualifying for the Champions League. That’s my view of Milan, but we also need humility, we have to work hard to bring the team back to a high level. I’m very competitive and want to bring that spirit to the team. The minimum goal is Champions League qualification, but Milan must fight to win trophies. That’s my goal, and it should be the goal of everyone who works at Milan. But we must remain humble and have a strong group.”
What can you bring to Milan? What do you expect from Serie A? Modric answered:
“My experience. I will work hard and give everything to do what I’ve done elsewhere. I have to do exactly what I did in my previous clubs and try to help in every way. I know there are high expectations for me, but I’m ready for the challenge. I follow Serie A a lot because there are many Croatian players. It’s clear that it’s a competitive league and is returning to a high level. Tactically, the teams are very organized, which makes it different from La Liga. I have to adapt as quickly as possible to this style of play in Italy.”
Have you spoken to anyone, maybe Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Zvonimir Boban, about Milan?
“I haven’t spoken to Boban recently, but we’ve always talked a lot about Milan when we met in the past, given our great relationship. I met Zlatan, and he told me about Milan. Ancelotti also spoke very well about Milan, all very positive. But I already had a great impression regardless. Milan is a great club, very important, with fantastic fans. And when people talk to you like that about a club, your perception becomes even better. The last time I visited, I was impressed by the organization and the welcome.”
A few years ago, you beat Allegri in a Champions League final…
“Probably not a good memory for him, so I’ll try not to bring it up too much (laughs). I don’t want the coach to get mad at me. I’m really looking forward to getting to know him, we’ve spoken a bit. I’m very happy to be coached by Allegri. He’s one of the best in the world, a winner. I can’t wait to see how he envisions me on the field in this team.”
Is this your last dance? Modric commented:
“I don’t know. It’s too early to say. My goal is clearly to play in the World Cup next year, but first we need to qualify. I’m not looking too far ahead, what matters is living in the present and doing things well. I want to start this new adventure and prepare in the best way so I can meet the standard this club requires. There’ll be time to think about the future, now I have to focus on the present and give my best for Milan.”
Can you tell us about the moment you made your decision? Tare’s trip to Croatia, how did it all come about?
“It was a very easy decision when Tare called me. His trip to Croatia was very important, it showed how much Milan cared and how much they believed I could perform at a high level. That was the turning point in the negotiations. When someone wants to sign you, it’s important they explain the project. I needed a bit of time to talk with my family, but deep down I knew it was the right choice. I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly, but that shows the confidence they had in me, I hope I can repay it on the pitch.”
Where would you like to play on the field?
“I’ve spoken a bit with the coach. I think everyone knows where I feel most comfortable: in the middle of the pitch, where I can dictate the tempo and help the team function well. I still need to speak more with the coach to understand where he wants me, and from there I’ll give my all, play well, and help the team. That’s the role I’ve always had in my career. But I’ve played other roles too. The priority remains the team, the individual is never more important. That has to be our mindset: no one is above the team. I’m here to do what the coach asks of me.”
What stood out to you about the group in these early outings?
“I saw several positive aspects, but they were just friendlies, it’s hard to give strong opinions at this stage of the season. There are many great players in the squad. The coach will decide on the formation. I saw a very good team. It seems there’s a great atmosphere on the pitch, which is also important when you’re building a strong group. I don’t want to talk about individuals, but there are many top, top players in this team.”
Only Milan and Real Madrid have won more Champions Leagues than you… Is your dream to bring the Scudetto back to Milan like Ibra did?
“Of course, I knew about Milan’s seven Champions League titles, they’re the most successful club in Europe after Real. I hope something similar happens to what happened when Ibrahimović returned. I’d be absolutely thrilled.”
There’s talk of Adriano Galliani possibly returning to Milan. Do you know him?
“I haven’t spoken to him. I know he was part of the group that achieved extraordinary things with Milan, but that’s all I can say. What he did with Berlusconi was incredible, Milan was one of the strongest teams in the world. But I haven’t spoken to him.”
What did Carlo Ancelotti say to you about Milan?
“We spoke in general about the club, the people at San Siro, and how it’s a very demanding club, just like Real Madrid, there’s a lot of pressure. But he didn’t convince me to sign for Milan, I already knew I wanted to.”
How do you feel about last season’s eighth-place finish?
“I feel positive. It’s clear last season didn’t go well, the team finished eighth. But we need to learn from these experiences. If Milan can play like they did against us at the Bernabéu last season, I don’t know what the issue was in not playing like that consistently, that level was very high. We need to work so that level becomes the norm.”
Ivan Rakitic told Milan fans they don’t realize how lucky they are to have you…
“Ivan and I are great friends, we have an excellent relationship. He sent me a beautiful message, and I really appreciated it. I’m the lucky one to be part of this huge club, and I don’t take it for granted. What can I give besides passion? My humility, my work ethic, my simplicity. Just being Luka Modrić. I don’t see myself as someone special, I’m a normal guy who loves playing football and is lucky to play for Milan. I’m grateful for this opportunity, I’m very motivated, and I hope everything goes as I expect.”
Do you feel the responsibility of being a leader and guide in the dressing room? Modric said:
“It’s a great feeling to have the chance to help the team. But I’ll say it again: individuals alone can’t do anything. You don’t make a difference by yourself. You have to build a team in which individuals can perform at their best. I’m here to give everything, as I’ve done throughout my career."
