Luka Modric continues to receive applause week after week in Serie A stadiums, where fans are still amazed to see him playing in Italy. As the year came to a close, the Croatian midfielder gave an extensive interview to Corriere della Sera, reflecting on his journey, his influences and the unexpected turn his career has taken.

“I was a Milan fan because of my childhood idol, Zvonimir Boban,” Modric explained. “He was the Croatian captain who almost achieved something extraordinary at the 1998 World Cup in France. I wasn’t even thirteen when my father gave me a Milan tracksuit. Life always surprises you. Things happen that you never imagined possible. I was convinced I would finish my career at Real Madrid, but instead… Still, I always thought that if I ever played for another team, it would be Milan. I’m here to win.”

Over the years, Modric has been compared to many great players, and he spoke openly about his inspirations. “Pirlo is six years older than me, he paved the way,” he said. “But my idol, apart from Boban, was Francesco Totti. Serie A had fabulous players. I watched them and thought, this is the kind of football I want to play.”

He also reflected on the coaches who shaped his career, starting with his current manager. “Allegri has an incredible personality. He’s a bit like Ancelotti, sensitive, funny and someone who loves to joke,” Modric said. “But on the pitch, he’s a master. He understands football like very few others. I’m happy he’s my coach now.”

Speaking about Ancelotti, he added, “Carletto is number one. Not only for his qualities as a coach, but for his character. We spoke many times about Milan when we were in Madrid. For him too, this place was unique.”

Modric also shared memories of José Mourinho. “Special, as a coach and as a person. He was the one who wanted me at Real Madrid. Without Mourinho, I would never have made it. I once saw him make Cristiano Ronaldo cry in the dressing room because, for once, he didn’t chase the opposing full-back. Mourinho is very direct, but he’s honest. He treated Sergio Ramos and the latest signing the same way. If he has something to say to you, he tells you.”

Yet the most influential figure in his development came much earlier. “Tomo Basic was the most important coach of my career,” Modric revealed. “He taught us how to deal with injustice. He would intentionally hurt someone in training and observe our reactions. Some got angry, others cried. He explained that in football, and in life, we would experience everything, even bullying, and we had to learn how to cope. There was a time when people said I couldn’t be a professional because I was too small and too fragile. He told me not to listen. What matters is what you think of yourself, not what others say. He told me, ‘You will be the best in the world.’ Without him and his words, I would never be where I am today.”

Finally, Modric addressed the endless comparison between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. “I feel closer to Cristiano because I played with him, he was my teammate at Real Madrid,” he said. “And I can assure you that he’s not just a great footballer, he’s an incredible person. People don’t know it, but he has a huge heart and is always ready to help others.”

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