Croatia’s legendary captain Luka Modric has opened up about the challenges of Italy’s Serie A.
The former Real Madrid midfielder started for AC Milan in Friday’s 2-0 triumph over Lecce at Stadio Via del Mare.
His expertly delivered free kick was nodded in by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, before Christian Pulisic added a late second.
“I feel really good, everything is perfect. I get along with my teammates, I feel relaxed. I still need to find a house, but apart from that, it’s all good!” Modric told DAZN and Sky Sport Italia (via Football Italia). “Of course, it all feels even better when you win.”
With Milan shifting from an initial 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2 formation, Modric revealed what coach Massimiliano Allegri expects from him.
“We are still getting to know each other, he asked me to help the team move with more fluidity. I am working to get into shape physically and I hope to be at 100 per cent after the break for international duty. The coach asks me to talk a lot on the pitch, as there are many young players, and they need confidence.”
Modric, who grew up supporting Milan in his native Croatia, also explained what finally persuaded him to join Serie A at 39.
“I have always watched Italian football, there are a lot of Croatian players here, and I above all appreciated Milan. I played many games against Italian teams, I know how organised they are tactically in every phase,” he said. “I do still need to get used to it, as this is a very difficult league. We need to be on our toes in every match and give everything we’ve got to win. So far, I am really enjoying what I’ve seen.”