Luka Modrić spoke openly about his career in a long interview on a program hosted by former coach and player Slaven Bilić, in which he reflected on his entire journey: from his earliest days to his arrival at AC Milan.
And the beginning was not easy for the Croatian Ballon d’Or winner. Young Luka was neither particularly tall nor fast, which led Hajduk Split to overlook him: “They thought I was too short; they wanted me to do stretching exercises. But I never lost confidence in myself and went to Dinamo Zagreb. That’s where everything started.”
Modrić then moved into the second phase of his career, between Tottenham and Real Madrid. His time with Spurs lasted four years. After that, Modrić wanted to take another step forward in quality. And just as it had happened during his time at Dinamo, Chelsea came knocking:
“Daniel Levy, the president of Tottenham, had been very clear with me: there was no chance he would let me go to the Blues. He told me that the only team he would sell me to was Real Madrid. I, although aware of my quality, thought it was impossible for a club like Real Madrid to want me. Then, in the summer, during a training camp with the Croatian national team, they called me and said they wanted to bring me to the Bernabéu. I couldn’t believe it.”
The Croatian star does not hide the fact that he would have liked to end his career in Madrid: “I have always said it — these were not just empty words for the fans, the club, or anyone else: my sincerest wish was to finish my career with Real Madrid.”
And now, the new adventure with AC Milan: “After Real Madrid, wherever you go, it’s a step back. It’s undeniable, and all players can confirm it. 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. Especially because I grew up with Italian football; Milan was my favorite club. When I thought about the possibility that I might one day not be able to be at Real Madrid — even though I never imagined it would actually happen — when I thought about where I would like to play, AC Milan was always the first choice, right after Real Madrid.”
