'You can't settle for average!' - Luka Modric still feels 'the fire inside' as he explains why he picked AC Milan over other offers after leaving Real Madrid
Speaks about his hunger and desire to win titles with new club
Croatian left Madrid after spending 13 years
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WHAT HAPPENED?
If you don't have personality, it's difficult to become a champion. Just ask Modric, who recently arrived at Milan after leaving Real Madrid and is already busy spreading messages as a leader. The Croatian star spoke to Milan TV, relaunching in grand style the ambitions of a Rossoneri side called upon to put last season's disappointments behind them. To do so, they can draw on Modric's character and experience, who is immediately in tune with the Milan universe, strengthened by a passion cultivated since childhood.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Modric left Madrid as a bona fide legend after spending 13 years and cementing his place amongst the greatest midfielders of all time. The Croatian wizard's ambition to remain competitive ahead of next year's World Cup saw him take a huge pay cut to join Milan, a club he followed as a kid and considers to be among the most prestigious in Europe. It is widely expected that the 39-year-old will take on a leadership role at the club, wearing the famous No.14 adorned by his ex-manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Although his CV speaks volumes about him, Modric won't be taking anything for granted at his new club. "First of all, I come with a lot of respect for everyone: players, coaches and the club in general," the former Spurs man claimed. "I want to bring my hunger to win, help my teammates in every way possible and work hard to earn my place in the team. It's never easy, you have to work hard and fight."
WHAT LUKA MODRIC SAID
"I wanted to stay in Europe to continue playing competitive football. I had other offers, but when Milan called me, it was clear to me. I wanted it right away," Modric explained. "I was also impressed by the fact that sporting director [Igli] Tare came to Croatia to present the project and everything about Milan to me. It was very important for me; it showed me how much they wanted to bring me here. Milan is one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
"You can't be satisfied with being average, you have to set yourself the highest possible goals: winning titles and competing with the best teams in the world. That's why I'm here.
"As a child, I watched Serie A a lot, and Milan was my favourite team. At that time, we watched Milan a lot in Croatia because it was one of the most popular clubs in the world. My idol [Zvonimir] Boban was also there. Now I'm very happy to be here and can't wait to start this new adventure.
"I always say that the most important thing for me is love: love for the game and for football. I still have it, I feel that fire burning inside me. That's what drives me. Then there's also the fact that I work hard, prepare myself to be at my best and live a healthy lifestyle."
WHAT NEXT?
Modric will begin pre-season duties and link up with his new team-mates later this month, having been with Real Madrid at the Club World Cup until last weekend. Massimiliano Allegri's men will take on Arsenal, Liverpool, Perth Glory, Leeds United, and Chelsea in summer friendlies before kicking off their Serie A campaign on the penultimate weekend of August.
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