Former Croatia worldwide Ivan Rakitic has spoken in regards to the ‘nice pleasure’ of seeing his former colleague Luka Modric end up for Milan on the age of 40, has defined what makes the Rossoneri veteran such an important participant, has spoken about their first experiences collectively and has named the one particular person answerable for facilitating Modric’s transfer to San Siro.
Rakitic gave an in-depth interview to , printed on Saturday.
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Rakitic on Modric: ‘I’ll have a good time all of his victories as in the event that they have been my very own’
BARCELONA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 18: Luka Modric of Actual Madrid holds off Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona through the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Actual Madrid CF at Camp Nou on December 18, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Picture by Alex Caparros/Getty Photographs)
Rakitic advised La Gazzetta dello Sport in regards to the first time he had encountered Modric.
“I bear in mind it effectively, March 1, 2006: A pleasant between Croatia and Argentina in Basel. I used to be already contemplating altering nationwide crew affiliations. I went to the stadium and folks from the nationwide crew advised me: ‘Look, you might play with him’.”
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Rakitic was born, had grown up in and had represented Switzerland at youth worldwide stage earlier than switching to Croatia in 2009.
After switching affiliations, Rakitic went on to play 77 video games alongside Modric for the Croatia nationwide crew.
“He’s not a person who speaks typically, however when he does, you’d be smart to pay attention,” Rakitic advised La Gazzetta dello Sport about Modric’s management fashion.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Luka Modric of AC Milan through the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
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“He speaks in a critical, clear method. He by no means shouts, however provides clear directions. He likes to joke, however when it’s time to be critical, he’s targeted and takes care of all the particulars.”
Rakitic went on to discuss the ‘nice pleasure’ he has at seeing Modric characterize Milan on the age of 40.
“We spoke yesterday, Luka’s very completely satisfied. He invited me to Milan. He says the soccer is totally different to how it’s in Spain, however he feels nice. He’s completely satisfied together with his teammates and together with his life in Italy. His household are having fun with this new chapter, and for us footballers, that’s actually vital.
“Luka has Igli Tare to thank, he’s the one who introduced him to Milan.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates scoring his crew’s first purpose through the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
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“I believed he’d find yourself (retiring) at Actual Madrid, however as a buddy, seeing him at Milan provides me nice pleasure. I’ll have a good time all of his victories: private and with the crew, as in the event that they have been my very own.”
And when requested if he thinks that Modric is throughout the high 10 best gamers of all time, Rakitic replied: “I don’t know, however for positive, he’s positively the perfect Croatian participant in historical past.”