Luka Modric and the step back from Real Madrid to AC Milan

Luka Modric gave a long interview granted to the program hosted by the’former coach and player Slaven Bilic, starting from his first steps in Croatia: “They thought I was too short: they wanted to make me do exercises to stretch me. I, however, never lost faith in myself and went to Dinamo Zagreb. From there everything started. I was angry because Corlukaand Eduardo, my best friends, had left Dinamo. I wanted to stay, I was comfortable. Then the January market came and they sold other players. Then I thought, ‘what am I still doing here? I want to leave too’. However, the club did not want to let me go. I had to wait until June, and at that point Tottenham” came along.

Andrea Gussoni

“The chairman of Tottenham had been very clear with me: there was not even a chance that he would let me go to Chelsea. He told me that the only team he would give me to was Real Madrid. I, although I was aware of my quality, thought it was impossible for a club like Real to want me. But then in the summer, during a Croatia training camp, they called me and told me they wanted to take me to the Bernabeu. I was incredulous. Despite the president’s promise, the transfer was not at all easy: I could perhaps have behaved better, but I had Levi’s word and I wanted him to respect it. I had made my decision: I was willing even not to play anymore in case they held me back”.

“After Real Madrid, wherever you go, it is a step backwards. It is undeniable, and all the players can confirm it – he concluded . I think I have arrived at a club that, because of its history and reputation, is very close to Real Madrid, and for me it is the most ideal situation that could have happened. Mainly because I grew up with Italian soccer; Milan was my favorite club: when I thought that one day I could not be at Real Madrid, even if I did not imagine it would happen, when I thought about where I would like to play, Milan was always in first place, right after Real Madrid”.