Rakitic: Magic Flute is very happy in Milan and he can join. Thanks to Tare, he may lead the team to win the championship

October 4th News Recently, Croatian legend Rakitic accepted an interview with the Milan Sports Daily and talked about multiple topics.

When did you first meet with Modric?

"I remember it very clearly. On March 1, 2006, in Basel, Switzerland, a friendly match between Croatia and Argentina. At that time, I was still playing for Basel and was considering changing the national team. At that time, I brought the club's ticket to the stadium. Modric was the national team's debut that day, and many people said to me: 'You can play with him.'"

played side by side for 13 years, how do you describe Modric in the locker room?

"He is not the kind of person who often speaks, but once he speaks, he must listen. He speaks seriously and directly, never yells, but his instructions are very clear. He loves to joke, but when it comes time to be serious, he is very focused and pays attention to every detail."

Do you still contact us often? He said how he was doing in Milan?

"We just talked yesterday. Luca was very happy. He invited me to visit Milan and said that the football style here is very different from Spain, but he lives a good life. He likes his teammates and Italy. His family is also enjoying this new journey, and for our players, family is very important. Luca is thanks to Milan's director Tare for bringing him to Milan."

What does it feel like to see him wearing a Milan jersey at the age of 40?

"I thought he would retire at Real Madrid. But as his friend and brother, I am very happy to see him playing football in Milan. Every victory of his, whether it is personal or team, I will celebrate it like my own."

A professional question, how can Modric be the most important player in Milan until he is 40 years old?

"You have to understand that Luca's lifestyle and work attitude are completely different from others. Football is getting younger and younger now, but if you are really willing to work hard, you can extend your career, of course, just for those who work very hard. Luca loves his career, he lives for football, and does everything well."

Is it physical training specifically? What does Modric do?

"He has his own team, training with exclusive physical coaches every day. Most importantly, he has a kind of ball quotient, which makes him ahead of everyone on the court. I am not disrespectful to others, there are indeed players faster and stronger than him, but Luca is so smart. He understands the game, trains hard every day, and now he is in better shape than ever."

What is his secret to success?

"You may have guessed that the key is to pay attention to details. The most important thing is happiness. Only when you are truly happy can you play well."

In a word, is Modric the top ten players in history?

"I'm not sure, but I can say with certainty: he is the greatest player in Croatian history."

Can Modric bring Milan to the championship immediately?

"It's possible, but it depends on how you perform next March. I like the kind of team that keeps growing in the season. You don't need to be in the best form in November or February, but you have to be strong in the spring. As long as the players keep this trend, plus coaches like Allegri who win everything, they can win the championship."

One thing to clarify this summer. You posted a post on Instagram to wish Modric, which caused dissatisfaction among Juventus fans?

"Yes, I sent a post to Luca, but accidentally used an anti-Juventus slogan. I really don't know. Later, I apologized, and now I apologized again. I respect Juventus very much. There is also Tudor coaching there. He is also us Croatian. He has proved his ability last year."

Then what are your plans after retirement?

"I am studying sports management and currently serve as athletic director at Heiduke. I will also go to coaching classes, but I think I will become a senior manager in the future."

Like Chiellini?

"Absolutely. Actually, if Chiellini needs help at Juventus...I..."

The last question: On that day in 2011, you chose Sevilla instead of another giant. Which team is?

"I don't want to reveal the specific name, but I can say that it is one of the three giants in Italy. I have always been unable to forgive myself for rejecting them, but I felt at the time: my promise is more important than the contract... and I met her (wife), which is worth it more than anything."

On January 27, 2011, Rakitic was preparing to sign with Sevilla in a hotel in Spain. At this moment, a wealthy team called: "Ivan, we want you, we have a private plane waiting for you."

Rakitic hesitated for a moment and said to his brother: "I won't go, I have promised Chairman Sevilla. Besides, have you seen that waiter? I want to marry her."

The waiter is named Rakel. At that time, Rakitic did not ask her out, but today, she is the mother of his daughters.