Former Croatia international Ivan Rakitic has spoken about the ‘great joy’ of seeing his former colleague Luka Modric turn out for Milan at the age of 40, has explained what makes the Rossoneri ve...
Former Croatia international Ivan Rakitic has spoken about the ‘great joy’ of seeing his former colleague Luka Modric turn out for Milan at the age of 40, has explained what makes the Rossoneri veteran such a great player, has spoken about their first experiences together and has named the one person responsible for facilitating Modric’s move to San Siro.
Rakitic gave an in-depth interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on Saturday.
Rakitic on Modric: ‘I will celebrate all of his victories as if they were my own’
BARCELONA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 18: Luka Modric of Real Madrid holds off Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Camp Nou on December 18, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Rakitic told La Gazzetta dello Sport about the first time he had encountered Modric.
“I remember it well, March 1, 2006: A friendly between Croatia and Argentina in Basel. I was already considering changing national team affiliations. I went to the stadium and people from the national team told me: ‘Look, you could play with him’.”
Rakitic was born, had grown up in and had represented Switzerland at youth international level before switching to Croatia in 2009.
After switching affiliations, Rakitic went on to play 77 games alongside Modric for the Croatia national team.
“He’s not a man who speaks often, but when he does, you’d be wise to listen,” Rakitic told La Gazzetta dello Sport about Modric’s leadership style.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Luka Modric of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“He speaks in a serious, clear way. He never shouts, but gives clear instructions. He likes to joke, but when it’s time to be serious, he’s focused and takes care of all of the details.”
Rakitic went on to speak about the ‘great joy’ he has at seeing Modric represent Milan at the age of 40.
“We spoke yesterday, Luka’s very happy. He invited me to Milan. He says the football is different to how it is in Spain, but he feels great. He’s happy with his teammates and with his life in Italy. His family are enjoying this new chapter, and for us footballers, that’s really important.
“Luka has Igli Tare to thank, he’s the one who brought him to Milan.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I thought he’d end up (retiring) at Real Madrid, but as a friend, seeing him at Milan gives me great joy. I will celebrate all of his victories: personal and with the team, as if they were my own.”
And when asked if he thinks that Modric is within the top 10 greatest players of all time, Rakitic replied: “I don’t know, but for sure, he is definitely the best Croatian player in history.”
Category: General Sports
