- Which is more difficult: saying goodbye to Real or getting used to no longer being a Real player?
- In my experience, saying goodbye is much harder than adapting. Because in the end, you have to accept the fact that a journey has ended. It's the same with football or life. You have to separate yourself from the things you once lived for. I think saying goodbye is the biggest challenge, but coming to AC Milan and gradually getting used to the new rhythm of life, the new reality, the new club is easier. Milan has welcomed me with open arms from day one and I am very happy here now.
Saying goodbye to Real is never easy, but as I've shared, it's part of life. When you know you have given it all, done everything in your power for the club, you can leave with your head held high. And I left with that mindset.
- Is the trio of Casemiro – Toni Kroos – Modric the best midfield in history?
- I would like to leave that comment for people. There are always such debates in football and I want to leave the assessment to experts and public opinion. The only thing I can confirm is that every minute spent with the two of them was a time I felt extremely enjoyed.
Even on the practice field, there are times when we compete with each other and the practice matches are sometimes more fierce than an official match. We understand each other so well that we could even close our eyes and pass the ball to each other, and truly, that experience was unbelievable. However, that feeling is also true for all other teammates in what is considered the most golden era in Real's history. So I don't like to mention just the three of us, because there are many other people who have also contributed immeasurably to the club.
- In football, it is not always easy to find joy because the pressure is too great. But do you really find much joy at Real?
- Yes, I was really satisfied. Even though the pressure is terrible, I still find a way to enjoy living with it. I personally like to shoulder responsibility and live under pressure. I feel like I play best in that state. In a relaxed environment, I cannot maximize my abilities. I need a little pressure, a little strict demand to break through.
At Real, for example, when they just won the Champions League, the season just started, entering the pre-season series, just losing one match is enough to create an atmosphere of crisis. That means the level of demand here is terrible. You win one Champions League and immediately aim for the next cup. No one is satisfied with what has been done, you always have to look forward.
- And that's why you chose Milan?
- Exactly. Expectations here are extremely high. Milan is one of the greatest clubs in the world and rich in tradition, although perhaps in recent years they have not achieved the results that fans are accustomed to. But that does not mean that the position of a giant and one of the most popular football teams on the planet has decreased.
When you come here, you will immediately feel it. You breathe the historical atmosphere of Milan. Right here at the Milanello training center, you can imagine everything. So many legends, so many famous players have played football here. And that's definitely one of the reasons I chose Milan. When I was a child, watching Italian football, Milan was my favorite team. Therefore, many factors combined helped me make an easier decision after leaving Real, because I always had special affection and great respect for Milan. When this opportunity came, I almost didn't have to think twice.
- So what is the goal you set for this new season with Milan?
- Do better than last season. For a long time last season, we played very well, competing in Serie A until March. But then in the final rounds, we almost threw everything away and lost our ticket to the Champions League. That result was painful for Milan, because considering its rich history, the club must at least participate in the Champions League every year. Milan is the second most successful club in the history of the tournament, only behind Real.
My current goal is to play well and help the team in every aspect, both on the field and in the dressing room. We are full of spirit. This year there have been many changes, from a new coaching staff, many new recruits, and the leadership sees me as an important part of the plan. They wanted me here, and that's why I'm playing here for the second straight season. I want to contribute, play my best and help the team bring Milan back to a winning position. One individual cannot do anything, but we all have to join hands and work together to gradually bring Milan back to its original position.
- How do you stay motivated through each season?
- Nothing difficult! I'm doing what I love the most. Football is my life. I started training at the age of 6 and football is really my identity. Up to now I am still passionate and enjoying football, still keeping the same ambition and motivation. When you have those feelings intact, continuing through each season becomes very natural. Thank God my body and mind are both in good shape. Everything must blend together, especially the boundless love for the ball. Because no matter what, physical strength is still a sufficient condition.
I have never considered football as a job. To me, this is joy. There has never been a day when I woke up and said to myself: "I don't want to practice anymore, I don't want to wake up at all". There has never been a time like that! And as long as I keep this feeling, I don't see any reason to stop.
I know a lot of people keep talking about my age, and honestly, it's starting to get boring. As if it was part of the "media script", but it didn't affect me at all. I live and enjoy each day, and I believe my body will speak up when it's time to stop. I am realistic and honest with myself. That moment will be very difficult to accept, but it will eventually come. It's very close, certainly closer than before. But let's just wait and see how long I can fight and move on.
- You say you're not affected by gossip about your age, but do you get bothered when people keep repeating "Luka Modric is 40 years old"? Are you tired of that?
- It's not that I'm upset or angry, but it's true that I'm tired of hearing it all the time. Tired of having to listen continuously, and this isn't something that just happened in the last 1-2 years. This refrain started in 2019 after the World Cup, when I was only 33 years old. At that time, people started whispering: "Let's see how long we can last, we're 33, 34 years old, our time is over...". Then after that I won two more Champions League titles, finished third in another World Cup with Croatia, reached the Nations League final and many more titles. I think after all, even though I don't like to talk about myself, I believe I played the best football of my career during that period.
Therefore, do not look at a player's age, passport or ID card. Look at what he brings to the field. Whether you are 18, 30, 40 or 50 years old... it doesn't matter. If you can prove on the field day after day that you are competitive, that you can do it, that is the only measure. Age to me is just a number, but people are so obsessed with it. It seems like as you get older, people want to push you aside. Definitely not like that. Being reminded about my age doesn't make me depressed or upset, it's just that I get bored hearing it all the time. After all, that is also my motivation to prove the opposite, to prove that a player can still play at the top at a late age.
- People always talk about the physical foundation of Cristiano Ronaldo or players like that, but they rarely talk about him that way. Meanwhile, in reality, he is the one who plays the most minutes and almost runs the most per match. How did you train behind the scenes to get in such shape? Is it because he doesn't like to show off, but actually his physical strength is also a... wonder?
- I really feel like I'm in very good shape. Many people will say it's due to genetic factors, which may be partly true, but genetics is not everything. If you don't make an effort, if you don't give 100% every day and on vacation, it will be very difficult for you to maintain your peak for that long. It's almost impossible. It is a combination of many factors. Even when I'm on vacation, I never go more than a week without exercise. I can't remember the last time I sat still. Maybe except when I get on the yacht and can't do anything else (laughs), I practice every day. When I don't play tennis or basketball, I run. Movement is ingrained in my blood.
Without that perseverance, you certainly cannot do it. However, I believe pure passion for sports, specifically football, plays an extremely important role. Maybe people don't see it, don't realize it or don't agree, but it is love and passion for the ball that is the key. I still have a longing for football. I want to compete, I want to prove that I can compete with younger players. Those are the reasons that have helped me maintain my peak all this time. As for the fact that the press says less about me than others, I don't care.
- When did the boy who started playing football in Zadar, Croatia ever imagine that he would make such a great career?
- I am naturally very ambitious, but I would be lying if I said I had envisioned all of this. Not at all! I often say, if someone gave me a piece of paper and said: "Write down what you want to achieve in life and career", I would never dare to write these things down. I'm even scared to write it down. My only dream at that time was to wear a shirt and make my debut for the national team. As for whether I have ever imagined all of this or not, not even in my most beautiful dreams.
- What will Luka Modric look like when he steps out of the Milanello training center, or previously Real's Valdebebas?
- A very normal person. A family man. I try to spend time with my family, with my children, and do simple things, nothing extraordinary. I meet friends. I like playing padel, playing tennis, playing basketball. Whenever I have free time I play. I just live a normal life, nothing special or extravagant.
- Are your friends mainly football players or people outside of football?
- I have friends both inside and outside the football world. I still maintain relationships with my childhood friends. They are my closest friends. We've been through everything together. Even though there were times when our directions were different, we were always connected and I always received support from them. I am very proud of this aspect. But in general, I have friends everywhere.
- Who should Real fans thank the most for Modric joining the team in 2012? You, President Florentino Perez, or Jose Mourinho?
- To the entire club, but I believe Mourinho was the most decisive factor for my appearance. He did everything he could to make me a signing that summer. At that time, Real only borrowed Michael Essien and bought only me. Negotiations with Tottenham were complicated, long and stressful. If Mourinho had not been fierce to the end, perhaps Real would have given up. But he insisted on having me. So he is the most important person.
Then there is President Perez, who I have a special affection for and has helped me a lot. I always appreciate him. Everyone played an important role, but Mourinho was the one who started it and I will always be grateful for that trust and affection from day one. The only regret is that I only worked with him for one year. But that's life. I learned a lot that year, even though I really wanted to stay with him longer.
- You can return to work with him now, when Mourinho has reappeared.
- It's already late (laughs). Wherever he is, I wish him the best. When Mourinho leads other teams, I always watch and am happy every time he achieves good results. I believe Real made a wise decision in appointing him, because Mourinho is a true champion and understands the club's internals. He knows what it takes to win. I hope they have a successful season together. That is what I always wish for Real and especially for Mourinho personally.
- You once said Real is home. When you retire, do you want to return to this place?
- That's great, I really want it! Honestly, I have nothing to hide. Real is my home and of course one day I want to return. But let's wait and see in what way and in what role, if that happens. I don't want to come back just to show up or sit there to have enough troops. I'm not like that. I want to be useful, I want to contribute to Real, not return without knowing what I'm there for. That's my opinion. Real gave me everything, gave me too much. I think I will only return when I can do something valuable, do good work and contribute, not working "at" Real, but working "for" Real.
As Mourinho said recently: "We have to work for Real, improving the team in every aspect." Only then do I want to return. But let time answer. This is my home, I am a "Madridista" now and forever. If I'm honest, of course I really want to. But let's see what life brings, you never know. My plan is to return to Madrid to live, but everything can change. Nothing can be said in advance. But hopefully, hopefully it will come true.
