Modric ‘surprised’ by Allegri, Milan the ‘biggest Italian club’

Luka Modric is enjoying life on and off the pitch in Milan and admits he was ‘surprised’ by Massimiliano Allegri’s personality.

The Croatian star, a 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about his first few months in Milan.

Modric, 40, joined the Rossoneri as a free agent from Real Madrid last summer and has started 14 league games in a row at San Siro.

“I feel good, physically and mentally, and I like what I do. I want to keep going like this because I’m having fun. Everything is going the way I wanted,” he said.

Milan are not involved in any European competition this season and are joint Serie A table leaders alongside Napoli.

“We are doing a good job, and the goal is not to stop, even though many teams are fighting for the top spot. It’s tough, but we move forward with confidence,” Modric said.

“From abroad, one might not realise how difficult Serie A is, but I assure you that your league is very tough and competitive. I wasn’t surprised because I was prepared: I’ve known it since I was a kid when I watched it on TV, and I’ve kept following it over the years. I knew what I would find, and I was ready.

“I’m happy because I play for what is, to me, the biggest Italian club of all. I enjoy myself every day at Milanello and every time I wear the Rossoneri shirt,” Modric continued.

“I never thought I would come to Milan until I was at Real Madrid, but sometimes in life, things happen when you least expect them. It was a dream come true because I was a Milan fan since I was a child.”

The Croatia international is glad to work under Allegri.

“He’s a great coach, a winner. I enjoy working with him, and he surprised me with his personality,” he said.

“He has an amazing ability to create a good feeling in the dressing room because he’s used to managing great champions. He helps you to give your best and keeps you calm, so it’s easier to do what you need to do.”

Modric is also enjoying life off the pitch in Italy.

“My family and I feel good here. I understand Italian too, but let’s say I speak other languages better. Croatian, English and Spanish. Little by little, I’ll learn Italian too.”

Milan will host Sassuolo at San Siro in the next Serie A match on Sunday.

Next week, they’ll fly to Saudi Arabia to play in the Supercoppa Italiana Final Four, meeting defending Serie A champions Napoli in the semifinal on Thursday, December 18.