Modric vows Milan to chase Baresi tribute while hoping Leao stays

Luka Modric, speaking for the first time after renewing his contract with Milan, contrasted the club’s recent emotional turmoil over Franco Baresi’s death with his own optimism about winning a trophy for the legend and keeping Rafa Leao at San Siro. He framed the season as a test of grief versus ambition.

"Baresi per me rappresentava l’essenza del Milan. Era, se non il più grande, uno dei più grandi simboli di questo club, una persona molto umile, un leader che guidava con l’esempio. È una perdita enorme per il Milan, per tutti i milanisti," Modric said, describing Baresi as an essential symbol and a humble leader.

He recalled meeting Baresi years ago when he was playing for Real Madrid and faced Milan in Los Angeles, adding, "Non ho mai avuto l’opportunità di parlare con lui, ma è uno di quei giocatori che, quando da bambino ti innamori di un club, prendi come esempio." The Croatian veteran said the encounter cemented his childhood admiration.

Modric explained that his love for Milan began long before his own arrival, noting he followed the club for Zvonimir Boban and "giocatori come Franco e altri grandi campioni rossoneri." He said Baresi’s captaincy was a source of inspiration for all Milan supporters.

When asked about the club’s motivation this year, Modric answered, "Sì, questo per noi può essere un grande obiettivo: vincere un titolo e dedicarlo a Franco. Per la sua eredità. Riuscirci sarebbe qualcosa di straordinario, meraviglioso, un sogno." He framed a trophy as a tribute to Baresi’s legacy.

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Reflecting on his second season, Modric expressed happiness to return but admitted frustration from the previous campaign, saying the team failed to qualify for the Champions League and his injury kept him out of the decisive matches.

Regarding the manager, Modric said, "Ho parlato con lui un paio di volte durante l’estate e le sensazioni sono buone, molto positive. Spero che sia sempre così, che saremo sempre sulla stessa lunghezza d’onda e che continueremo a capirci." He praised Amorim’s ideas and hopes for a harmonious partnership.

On the new striker, Modric described Gonçalo Ramos as "un grande attaccante" who could fill a missing role, but recalled the painful memory of Ramos scoring the goal that eliminated Croatia from the World Cup. He added, "No, gliel’ho già detto negli Stati Uniti. Non voglio più tornare su questo argomento perché non è un bel ricordo."

Discussing Rafa Leao, Modric said the forward is "abbastanza maturo per sapere cosa sia meglio per lui" and that he would be delighted if Leao remains, noting the player’s recent injuries but affirming his quality when fit.

The interview ends with a clear contrast: the sorrow of Baresi’s passing fuels a collective desire to win a trophy in his honour, while the certainty of Leao’s presence and new signings under Amorim shape Milan’s forward‑looking project for the season.