Modric: Retiring at RM is my biggest wish, but some dreams just never come true

Luka Modrić sat down for an exclusive interview with former national team coach Slaven Bilić, discussing his departure from Real Madrid and his feelings about joining AC Milan.

You don't often appear in the media

That's right. I've never really liked doing large-scale interviews, except for some routine ones before and after competitions. I may have only done one or two large-scale interviews for foreign media, because it's difficult for me to trust people, unless it's a media where a journalist I know works, and he also wrote a book about me. Now that you're here, I feel much more relaxed. 

Are you learning Italian?

I had a great time there. Milan is really a wonderful place. Everyone, including teammates, coaches, and fans, has been very accepting of me. Everything has been excellent. 

AC Milan is a large club with a long history and one of the world's top clubs, which is obvious. I like it here very much, and I speak Italian quite well. It has some similarities with Spanish, but they are not exactly the same. I often mix up Italian and Spanish, but they can still understand what I mean.

You played for Real Madrid for 13 years, and I remember the farewell was very sad, which must have left a sense of emptiness. How did you feel at that time? 

It wasn't easy. I spent half my life there, and it was one of the best times in my life. I arrived relatively late, at 27, but I was already ready to embrace the challenges.

My four-year experience in England helped me a great deal. Everything that followed felt like a dream to me, and the achievements I've made are truly incredible. If someone were to ask me, "Write down your most satisfying accomplishment at Real Madrid," I'm afraid I wouldn't dare to write down everything I achieved later.

Trophies and victories are important, but to have served at a club like this for 13 years... from 27 to nearly 40, it's simply incredible. You know what kind of club Real Madrid is; it tolerates no mediocrity. To have served at such a club for so many years, that's the most incredible thing. 

When I first came, I thought it would be great if I could stay for five or six years. At that time, I thought a player's career would only last until the age of 33 or 34. Not only have I exceeded this expectation, but I still maintain this level now. 

There are rumors that you will stay there forever

That was truly my greatest wish, not just a polite gesture or flattery to the fans. Sometimes, some wishes cannot be fulfilled. Although I didn't retire in Madrid, I achieved some things I never thought I could do. I have no regrets at all, and I never dreamed it would turn out this way.

I'm a very emotional person, that's just the way it is. Although I don't show it, I keep it hidden. The love from the fans, the club, and everyone associated with the club will always be with me. I can't express in words how grateful I am to them, and it's been like this from the very beginning. 

Although I encountered some difficulties at the beginning, I felt the love and support from the fans. They thought I was the one they were looking for. This gave me the motivation to repay them in the best way possible.

Everyone who follows football will follow Real Madrid, but because of you, we are even more committed to it. Now AC Milan is an excellent choice, as it is one of the clubs on par with Real Madrid

I've always said that after Real Madrid, any other club is a step down, and everyone can attest to that. But I believe I've come to a club that is very close to Real Madrid in terms of prestige and history. For me, this is an ideal situation. Especially because I love AC Milan, and I grew up in the environment of Italian football; they are my favorite club. 

I've always loved AC Milan, and besides, there's Boban, who had a great career at Milan and was the captain of the Croatian national team. He had a significant influence on Croatians' attention to and support for AC Milan. When the opportunity with AC Milan presented itself, I knew this was what I wanted. 

I still maintain a very high level. The Italian league is one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, with extremely fierce competition and is not easy to play in. This was an easy choice for me, especially because of the attitude of the people and the club. 

AC Milan urgently needs a charismatic player

I agree. I've always thought that if I weren't at Real Madrid, AC Milan would be the first club that comes to mind. 

Is Totti one of your idols?

I like the charm, personality, and sense of humor he showed in the game, which is why he is one of my favorite players. Then other players emerged: Zinedine Zidane, and "The Alien" Ronaldo, who first played in Italy, then went to Barcelona, Real Madrid...

How does the Serie A compare with the Premier League and La Liga?

The league here places great emphasis on technique and tactics, especially tactics. Their football style is very tough. You have to give your all to have a chance of defeating every team. In Spain, they advocate technical football, while in England, they pursue a "run-and-gun" style of fast attacking, emphasizing physical confrontation. 

Spain's transition between attack and defense is very frequent. They play fast-paced football, especially in Real Madrid. They are not content with small-scale play; they pursue exciting matches.

Would you be shocked if someone told you that your physical condition is not ready yet? 

I am truly confident in myself, and this confidence has permeated my entire career. In fact, it is precisely the driving force that keeps me moving forward. I don't care about what others think. You will hear some voices, but they only motivate me, especially negative comments. I never thought I might be short or physically weak. 

Football is not just about strength and height; it's far more than that. You don't need to be 190 centimeters tall, nor do you need to be a fast sprinter. Football is about technique, intelligence, and feeling, and it encompasses many other elements.

Even today, when I watch football matches, people still try to emphasize aggression, speed, strength, and physical size, and everything is measured by these factors. But in football, the mind is what matters most, and it always will be. Strength and speed can never overcome technique and the mind, and that's why people love and watch football.