Rakitic on ‘great joy’ seeing Modric at Milan: ‘Tare is to thank for all of this’ – Football Italia

RIJEKA, CROATIA – OCTOBER 11: Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic of Croatia in discussion during a Croatia training session ahead of the UEFA Nations League match against England at Stadion HNK Rijeka on October 11, 2018 in Rijeka, Croatia. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

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’

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. 

“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.

“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.”