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Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'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
Modric explains why he joined Milan Speaks about his hunger and desire to win titles with new club Croatian left Madrid after spending 13 years Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 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.
Arab Times
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti referees Al-Faraj and Ashkanani selected for Asian Youth Handball Championship
KUWAIT CITY, July 16: Kuwaiti referees Hamad Al-Faraj and Hussein Ashkanani arrived in China yesterday to officiate matches at the Asian Women's Youth Handball Championship, scheduled from July 18 to 28. Their selection reflects the Asian Handball Federation's confidence in the quality and expertise of Kuwaiti referees. Al-Faraj and Ashkanani bring extensive experience and a high level of competency, which will contribute significantly to the successful execution of the tournament's refereeing duties. In club news, Burgan Club has signed player Nasser Al-Faraj on a two-season deal to bolster the first-handball team ahead of the new season. This move follows the club's earlier signing of Serbian national team standout Jovica Nikolić as the team's third foreign professional, joining Japanese player Kasuke Yasuhira and Croatian Stipe Mandalinic. The club also renewed the contracts of key local players, including goalkeeper Mahdi Khan, Hamoud Al-Adwani, and Ahmed Mazal. Additionally, national coach Hussein Habib will continue at the helm, following a contract renewal. Burgan Club made history last season by finishing second in the Premier League for the first time, securing qualification for the upcoming AFC Club Championship.
The Sun
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Croatia ex-health minister charged in $860k corruption case
ZAGREB: Croatia's anti-corruption prosecutors have formally charged former Health Minister Vili Beros and seven others with multiple offences including bribery, money laundering, and abuse of power. The case involves alleged irregularities in health equipment procurement worth over $860,000 (€740,000), with Beros suspected of personally receiving $87,000 (€75,000). Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic dismissed Beros following his arrest last November, underscoring ongoing corruption challenges in the Balkan nation. The indictment accuses the group of operating a criminal network engaged in unlawful favouritism and influence peddling. The European Public Prosecutor's Office initially investigated the eight suspects before Croatian authorities took over the case. Beros becomes the second minister arrested under Plenkovic's government after former construction minister Darko Horvat faced similar charges in 2022. Over a dozen ministers from Plenkovic's HDZ party have resigned since 2016 amid corruption allegations. The scandal has intensified public anger in Croatia, where healthcare system struggles persist. Plenkovic narrowly survived a December no-confidence vote linked to graft controversies. – AFP
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Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
From hope to havoc: How AIFF is derailing Indian football's future
Indian football appears to be spiraling deeper into disarray with disappointing results from the Blue Tigers to the interruption in normal functioning of the Indian Super League's new season. News revolving the Indian football scenario is also best described in the new book released recently lays bare the root causes behind the sport's decline in the country. The book, titled Who Stole My Football, penned by veteran journalist Jaydeep Basu, provides an insider's view of how the All India Football Federation (AIFF), under the leadership of president Kalyan Chaubey, has allegedly failed to steer the sport in the right direction. India's ranking on an all-time low Over the past two years, India's men's national football team has seen a dramatic fall in the FIFA rankings, currently slipping to 133, the lowest it has been in nearly a decade. Meanwhile, the Indian Super League (ISL), the nation's premier football competition, is in limbo. The 2025-26 season remains on hold due to an unresolved Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the body responsible for organizing the league. Basu, who formerly served as AIFF's Media Director, draws from firsthand experiences in the federation to highlight a "collapse of professionalism" and "repeated breaches of protocol" that began worsening in 2024. According to the book, critical appointments were made without following proper procedures, leading to a dysfunctional administrative structure. He particularly points to the controversial appointment of Anil kumar as Secretary General, following the dismissal of Shaji Prabhakaran in late 2023. Anilkumar's tenure was short-lived, with the Delhi High Court later staying his appointment, plunging the federation further into crisis. The book also shines a light on India's chaotic participation in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. According to Basu, the national team was hastily assembled at the last minute, reaching the Games Village only hours before their opening match. Unsurprisingly, the squad failed to make it past the group stage. Clashes with former coach Igor Stimac Another contentious issue covered in the book is Chaubey's strained relationship with former national team coach Igor Stimac. Basu recounts an incident where Chaubey allegedly confirmed India's participation in the 2024 Merdeka Cup during a FIFA international window without consulting Stimac. The Croatian coach, as described in the book, was frustrated by being excluded from key decision-making processes and was denied the opportunity to present his long-term vision for the team. Who Stole My Football portrays a troubled picture of Indian football's leadership, detailing a series of missteps and administrative failures that have pushed the sport into an unprecedented state of uncertainty. India under new manager Manolo Marquez India's national football team has managed only one win in its last eight outings under coach Igor Marquez, with the sole victory coming against the Maldives in March. In 2025 alone, the team has played four matches, securing one win, one draw, and suffering two defeats. These disappointing results led to the comeback of legendary striker and former captain Sunil Chhetri. However, his return has had minimal impact on reversing the team's fortunes. India's next international fixture is an away clash against Singapore in October, as part of the third round of Asian Cup qualifiers. Indian football team rankings over the years (Men) Year Highest rank Worst rank 2025 127 133 2024 117 127 2023 99 102 2022 104 106 2021 104 107 2020 104 109 2019 101 108 2018 96 102 2017 96 132 2016 135 163 2015 141 173 2014 145 171 2013 143 167 2012 154 169 2011 144 163 2010 130 160 2009 134 156 2008 143 154 2007 143 165 2006 117 157 2005 127 135 2004 132 143 2003 122 133 2002 120 130 2001 113 124 2000 106 122 1999 106 116 1998 110 127 1997 109 121 1996 94 124 1995 111 121 1994 101 113 1993 99 129 1992 143 143 (with PTI inputs)
News18
10 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
Insider's Account On Indian Football: 'AIFF's Professional Structure Suffered..'
Last Updated: The book chronicles Indian football's decline under AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, with the men's FIFA ranking falling to 133. Indian football has deteriorated significantly over the past two years. A new book provides a detailed account of how the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its president, Kalyan Chaubey, allegedly lost their way. The Indian men's team's FIFA ranking has sunk to a dismal 133, its worst in nine years. The upcoming season of the top-tier, which was expected to start in a couple of months, remains uncertain. In his book 'Who Stole My Football', renowned journalist Jaydeep Basu offers an insider's perspective on what he describes as a systemic breakdown of Indian football, including financial mismanagement under Chaubey's leadership. Basu, who previously served as AIFF's Media Director, has closely witnessed the developments within the organisation, which he meticulously documents. 'The entire professional structure of the AIFF secretariat suffered a breakdown since 2024. The laid down process of appointments was not followed in many instances," Basu writes in his book. According to Basu, the situation 'reached its lowest ebb after Anilkumar took over as the secretary general". Anilkumar, who succeeded Shaji Prabhakaran as AIFF Secretary General after Prabhakaran was dismissed in November 2023, had to vacate his position earlier this year following a Delhi High Court stay on his appointment. The book also details the Indian football team's unpreparedness for the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023. The Indian team played its first group match only hours after arriving at the Games Village in Hangzhou, as the AIFF managed to assemble a second-string squad at the last minute. The team failed to advance to the knockout stage. What is Wrong With Indian Football? Chaubey's strained relations with Croatian legend and former India head coach Igor Stimac are also highlighted in the book. 'Stimac was bitterly disappointed when Chaubey, without consulting the national coach, finalised India's participation in the Merdeka Cup in 2024 during FIFA international window." 'Stimac's biggest complaint was that he never had a chance to explain his side of the story and his plans with the national team because he was hardly given an audience," Basu writes in the book. view comments First Published: July 16, 2025, 16:09 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
