Luka Modric was presented as Milan’s new player and gave his first words as a ‘Rossoneri’. The midfielder praised the history of the Italian club, comparing it to what Real Madrid is today.
Milan midfielder Luka Modric said Monday during his official presentation as a new player for the Italian team that after spending 13 years with “the biggest club in the world,” he will now play for a team that years ago “was what Real Madrid is today.”
The Croatian magician offered his first words as a Milan player after saying goodbye to Real Madrid in the Club World Cup. He said goodbye in the semifinals, which he lost to Paris Saint-Germain, to bid farewell to a club he joined in the 2012/13 season and where he won 28 official titles, more than anyone else in history.
Asked why he chose Milan as his next destination, he recalled the era when the ‘Rossoneri’ dominated Europe in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
“I spent 13 years at the biggest club in the world and now I’m joining one that in previous years was what Real Madrid is today. They lost it somewhere along the way. Milan must strive to return to that level and it’s up to me to help as much as I can this year and enjoy it,” he said.
“We all remember Milan as one of the best teams in the world. We cannot settle for a mediocre season or just qualifying for the Champions League. We must also be humble and work hard to get the team back to the highest level. I am very competitive and I want to convey this to the team. The minimum goal is to qualify for the Champions League, but Milan must fight to win titles,” he said.
He also recalled that he had a “very emotional” farewell at Real Madrid and remembered that he grew up watching Italian football with a team he was particularly fond of: “Milan was my favorite team. It was very popular in Croatia, and on top of that, my idol Boban was there. I always had a special affection for its colors.”
He also said he would bring his experience to Milan and made it clear that he would work hard to try to repeat the successes he had at his previous clubs.
“I know there are high expectations of me. I feel ready for this. I follow Serie A closely because there are many Croatian players who play here. You can see that it is a competitive league that is regaining its level. Tactically, the teams are very organized, and that is the difference with the Spanish league. I have to adapt to the way of playing in Italy as soon as possible.”
He also acknowledged that although he has not spoken to Boban recently, he has spoken to two other well-known former Milan players: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Carlo Ancelotti, who was his coach at Real Madrid. “Ancelotti spoke highly of Milan, everything was very positive. I already had that impression. Milan is a great club with great fans. But when people talk to you like that about a club, you get an even better impression. The last time I came, the organization and the welcome were impressive.”
He also explained that he does not know if his time at Milan will be his “last dance” and made it clear that his goal will be to play in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Even so, he pointed out that he does not look “too far ahead” and stressed that the most important thing is to “live in the present and do things right.”
On how he made the decision to sign for Milan, he said it was “very easy” as soon as Igli Tare, the Rossoneri’s sporting director, called him. “That was the turning point in the negotiations. When someone wants to sign you, it’s important that they explain their project to you. Then I needed some time to talk to my family, but deep down I knew it was the best option. I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly, but it shows the confidence they have placed in me.”
“It’s a great feeling to have the opportunity to help the team. But individuals can’t do anything on their own. You can’t make a difference alone. You have to create a team where each person can perform at their best. I’m here to give it my all, as I have done throughout my career,” he concluded.
