“I still have football dreams,” says Luka Modric, who believes he can make them come true in San Siro. “Maybe I could have opted for the easier way. I could have gone to a less competitive league, but that’s not me.”
The midfielder won everything in Real Madrid, including six Champions League trophies, but instead of robbing huge wages in the MLS and Saudiian professional leagues, he decided to try again in Serie A.
“This is definitely why I’m still looking for new challenges and why am I still wanting to play at a competitive level,” Modrick told Dazn Italia.
“I still love football, my passion, my motivation for what I’m doing. I might have chosen an easy way to get to some other leagues that aren’t that competitive, but that’s not me.
“If I think that’s impossible, I’ll stop, but I still feel really good. These are the reasons why I’m here because I have passion and motivation.”
Modric has the option of signing a one-year deal with Milan and extending it, but he will not be able to maintain the same tempo as he will be celebrating his 40th birthday next month.
“I want to continue doing what I’ve always done in my career, play football, bring experience, gain mentality and help my teammates in every aspect they need,” the midfielder continued.
Milan is Modric’s childhood dream
Due to the presence of his hero, Croatian legend Zvonimir Boban, Dazen showed his childhood image of Modric in Rossoneri jersey.
“The main reason I chose Milan is the size of the club and it is one of the largest clubs in the world. This photo is a great memory and shows how popular Milan was at the time, especially in Croatia.
“I grew up watching Italian football and Milan was my favorite team. Zvonimir Boban, my childhood idol Zvonimir Boban, performed there. These are the reasons why I chose Milan.
“When I first came to sign a contract, you can immediately feel that this club is special. It has a special aura, the organization is on top, the people, the fans, the stadium, everything is on a higher level, you can feel this greatness.
Much of Modric’s Real Madrid career was spent with Carlo Ancelotti, so did he ask his coach for advice on coming to Milan?
“I spoke to Carlo and he only told me the best things about Milan. I already knew that, but when someone like Carlo, who was a player and coach, tells you, you can get even better perceptions about the club.
Modric won the Ballon d’Or, making him the 13th winner of that trophy to wear the Milan jersey. Does he consider himself a legend?
“I want to let others talk about how they see me. All I can say is that I’m really happy and proud of what I have achieved in football. I’ve probably achieved more than I expected, but I can’t say if I’m a legend or not.
At his presentation press conference, he said that Milan could not be satisfied with mediocrity.
“It was very important that the sports director came to Croatia and presented a sports project, which shows how much they want you and admire you.
“They finished 8th place, obviously Champions League qualifications must be minimal for us to achieve. I want to win the trophy with Milan, that’s my goal. We need to give everything and create a strong one.
Rafael Leao is San Siro’s new teammate and who Modric has faced off before.
“Anyway, he’s a world class player for me. I’m happy to have this kind of player in Milan. I’ve played him a few times at the club and national level.
On the eve of his 40th birthday, it is a considerable shift for Modric to move from over a decade at Real Madrid to this new experience in Serie A.
“I played against the Italian side many times and you could see how quality they have. They’re well organized and really competed well. This is to adapt as quickly as possible, to see what the coach asks me.
There’s one fixture he’s already looking forward to. It’s Derby De Ramadnina, with Croatian Petal sticking to the Inter jersey.
“I used to watch the derby against Milan and Inter, but I can’t wait because these are the best games to play. You can see the sucic on the pitch.
Modrick was asked for the secret behind his incredible longevity.
“Everyone asks me, but there’s no secret. It’s the love for the game, the passion I still have, and of course the diet, the training routine. I live in soccer 24 hours a day.
“I still have football dreams, so I came to Milan. That’s a childhood dream. Now I’m here, I want to win the trophy with Milan.
“I love football and enjoy it, but my family is number one. They’re the focus of my everyday life.”
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