Luka Modric at AC Milan to ‘stay competitive and in Europe’ at 40
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Croatian midfielder Luka Modric arriving in Milan before signing for AC Milan on July 14.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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ROME – A desire to continue playing competitive football in Europe in the twilight of his career prompted Croatia captain Luka Modric to join struggling AC Milan.
“I’m happy to be here and I look forward to a new adventure,” the veteran midfielder told Milan’s TV channel in an interview posted on July 16, after joining from Real Madrid.
Modric, who turns 40 in September, had won six Champions League crowns, four La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies with the Spanish giants after leaving Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.
“I wanted to stay in Europe, to continue playing competitive football. I had some other offers, but when Milan showed up for me, it was clear from the first moment,” he said.
As part of the Italian side’s pre-season preparations, they will be in Singapore for a friendly against Arsenal at the National Stadium on July 23. But it is unclear if fans here would get an early glimpse of the midfield maestro in a Milan jersey.
Modric, who played his last match for Real on July 9 when they lost 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals, is currently on a break.
He won a club-record 28 trophies over 13 years in the Spanish capital, in which he impressed fans with his consistency and brilliance. He racked up 597 appearances, scoring 43 times and providing 95 assists.
In 2018, he became the first player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Ballon d’Or in over a decade.
Milan finished a disappointing eighth in Serie A last season and will not play in European competition.
But Modric insisted the Rossoneri remain “one of the biggest clubs in Europe”, adding: “Milan cannot be satisfied with average and needs to have the biggest goals possible, to win titles, to compete with the best teams in the world, that’s why I am here.”
Modric signed a one-year contract, with an option for an additional season with the seven-time Champions League and 19-time Serie A winners.
“I’m never satisfied, I always want more,” he warned. “When you’ve experienced that feeling (of winning), you want to feel it even more. I still have hunger, desire, still wanting more.”
Attributing his longevity to his love for football, he added: “That’s what I still have, what I still feel in my belly, this fire, that’s what pushes me... there are no secrets, for me it’s the passion, the love for football. I am never satisfied.”
The 2018 World Cup runner-up also spoke of his childhood memories of Milan.
“When I was a kid, I watched the Italian league a lot, Milan was my favourite team,” he recalled.
“Also because Zvonimir Boban was there, who was my idol,” he added, referring to his compatriot, who wore the Rossoneri jersey from 1992 to 2001. AFP
