Gullit: Milan have been disappointing; I hope Modric stays

Gullit discussed Milan, Leao, Modric, and the World Cup in an interview.

Gullit expressed regret that Milan missed out on the Champions League. He hopes the Rossoneri will bounce back soon, as Milan cannot afford to be absent from Europe’s highest level of competition. The former Ballon d'Or winner, who was inducted into the Milan Hall of Fame in late April, said: "The applause and chants at San Siro deeply moved me." As an ambassador for the ING anti-cyber hatred campaign, Gullit spoke about his former club and Italian football.

Gullit stated: "It is important to have the right to criticize, but criticism must be expressed without malice, which means avoiding hateful language. This message is especially aimed at young people. I also dislike anonymous comments; it would be better to write your name and email. Large online platforms must provide support."

When asked whether he was surprised by Milan's failure to qualify for the Champions League, Gullit said: "It's a huge disappointment because I really didn't expect it. In the final round, Milan only needed to beat Cagliari at home, but they lost. For me, it's very regrettable."

Regarding Allegri, a coach who has won six league titles in his career but also failed to lead the team to the Champions League, Gullit said: "For most of the season, Milan played well, and Allegri delivered good results. The team declined in the final stages but still had a chance to finish in the top four. It is a great pity they could not do it. Given Milan's history, they must always play in the Champions League."

When asked whether this was Leao's worst season at Milan, Gullit said: "I know him; he's excellent, but I don't know what he's thinking. When you play at this level, to reach your best form and unleash your abilities, both your body and mind must be in the right state. In addition, you need the support of your teammates. Leao did not perform well at Milan, and now he has the World Cup to show his potential."

Regarding Milan's desire to sell Leao for a good price, Gullit said: "In a World Cup year, many transfers are influenced by a player's performances at the World Cup. So we'll see what he does for Portugal, but Leao is not a starter there. He has great potential, but it depends on him."

Speaking about Modric, who will participate in the World Cup with Croatia, Gullit said he had previously watched him play live in Milan's match against Juventus. Gullit said: "Even at 40, Modric is still a top player. I regret that he was injured in that head collision."

When asked whether Modric could have played in his Milan team back in the day, Gullit said: "Yes, because he has strong technical skills and personality."

When asked whether he hopes Modric stays at Milan, Gullit said: "I hope so."

Speaking about Ibrahimovic, who now manages Milan, Gullit said: "I spoke to him, and it was a very interesting conversation. I can't evaluate his performance as a manager because I don't know him well enough yet. Sunday was a tough day for the fans. I wish Milan and all Milan fans all the best."

On the absence of Milan and Juventus from next season's Champions League, Gullit said: "Among your giants, only Inter had an excellent season and deservedly won the Serie A title. Juventus and Milan did not meet the expectations of management and fans. There are many variables in football, and things don't always go as people hope. It's important to restart and not forget your DNA."

Speaking about the Italian team missing the next World Cup, Gullit said: "It saddens me that your national team failed to qualify. Italy has won the World Cup four times and has excellent players, but this is the third consecutive absence... I think you must rediscover your DNA: Italian football used to be built on personality and solid defending. At Euro 2021, you won with Bonucci and Chiellini, but you have had many great defenders throughout your history, from Maldini and Nesta to Cannavaro, as well as top goalkeepers like Buffon. When you concede few goals, you have a chance to win. Recently, Italy has conceded too many goals and lost qualification in a penalty shootout against Bosnia and Herzegovina."

Speaking about the teams he favors to win the World Cup, Gullit said: "Defending champions Argentina are always there, among the favorites. I would put them with Spain and France, but also watch out for Portugal and the Netherlands."

When asked whether he had forgotten about Brazil, coached by his former teammate Ancelotti, Gullit said: "I'm curious to see how Brazil performs. Today's Brazil is not the same team as it was a few years ago, because they no longer have the top players they once had. Brazil has had some problems, but I hope Carlo can do well."

Regarding the Netherlands' World Cup ambitions, Gullit said: "They could go very far. The Dutch team is strong and capable of going all the way. They reached the semifinals of the last Euros and finished fourth in the 2023 Nations League. In both competitions, the Netherlands came close to reaching the final and competing for the trophy."

Speaking about Roma player Malen, who delivered his best performances for the Dutch team at the end of this season, Gullit said: "He scores very consistently in Serie A. He is one of the talented players in our team. Maybe we don't have top stars like Messi, Yamal, and Ronaldo, but the team has good potential."

Speaking about former Milan player Reijnders, who is also in the Dutch team, Gullit said: "For him and several other players in the squad, this World Cup comes at an important stage in their careers. They are no longer young and can prove their full worth. This is their opportunity."