Rakitić Reveals the Hidden Mentor Behind Modrić's Milan Milestone

Modrić's Milan Milestone

Former Croatian star Ivan Rakitić says he is overjoyed to see Luka Modrić extend his glittering career with AC Milan at the age of 40. He highlights Modrić's rare blend of quiet leadership, precise instructions, and occasional humor, insisting that these traits keep him at the summit of modern football.

Rakitić explains that Modrić’s influence goes beyond technique. His approach in the locker room—serious when necessary, but never shouting—helps teammates stay focused and ready to execute even the smallest details. This mindset has contributed to Milan’s continued reliability in a highly demanding league.

He recalls their first encounter: a March 1, 2006 friendly between Croatia and Argentina in Basel. At the time, Rakitić was contemplating a possible international switch, and he was told by some in the Croatian setup that he could play alongside Modrić, a moment that helped shape his career trajectory.

Born and raised in Switzerland, Rakitić initially represented Switzerland at youth levels before opting to play for Croatia in 2009. Since then, he and Modrić have shared the Croatian national team jersey 77 times, forging a bond that extends beyond the national team into their club careers.

On Modrić’s leadership inside the dressing room, Rakitić says: “He is not a big talker, but when he speaks, you listen. He communicates with seriousness and clarity, never shouting, but always giving precise instructions. He enjoys humor at times, but when the moment calls for focus, he is all business.”

Discussing Modrić’s move to Milan at forty, Rakitić adds: “We spoke yesterday—he is very happy. He invited me to Milan. Football here feels different from Spain, but he feels in peak form. His teammates and life in Italy suit him, and his family is enjoying this new chapter.”

Rakitić credits Igli Tari with bringing Modrić to Milan, suggesting that without Tari’s role the move might not have happened. He says, as a friend, witnessing Modrić in a Milan shirt brings him immense happiness and he will celebrate every one of his teammate’s individual and collective successes as if they were his own.

When asked whether Modrić belongs in any discussion of the all-time greats, Rakitić responds: “I don’t know about a top 10, but I am certain he is Croatia’s greatest player without a doubt.”

Milán finds the maestro

Since arriving in Italy in the summer of 2025, Modrić needed little time to adapt. He swiftly became the beating heart of Massimiliano Allegri’s Milan, with five matches enough to prove he remains among the world’s elite and one of the standout stars of Serie A.

His statistics are eye-catching: more than 300 successful passes across five matches, including 169 in the opposition half, a record of sorts that underscores his influence beyond mere ball distribution. His impact mirrors a player who has not just aged but evolved, proving age is merely a number when technique and intelligence stay sharp.

Modrić’s creativity extends beyond the attacking phase. He has recovered 31 balls, made 10 successful interceptions, and delivered 46 key passes to teammates. Physically, he has covered more than 11,000 kilometers, ranking as Milan’s second-most industrious runner behind Adrien Rabiot, illustrating that his presence affects both strategy and stamina.

This blend of tactical intelligence and physical endurance has solidified Modrić as a literal and figurative cornerstone of Milan’s project. He is not just a player who can influence a result; he reshapes the way Milan plays in real time.

Rakitić’s admiration extends to the way Modrić composes his play on the field. As he observes, Modrić’s leadership has a quiet cadence that can be more potent than loud rhetoric, and his longevity is emotionally resonant for Croatian football fans who watched him mature into a global icon.

Retirement of Rakitić

Looking back at Rakitić’s own storied career, the midfielder who turned 37 in the twilight of his career logged 310 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 35 goals, including a famous strike against Juventus in the 2015 Champions League final. His career also spanned spells in Spain and Germany, before he announced his retirement from professional football at 37 after his final season with Hajduk Split.

Rakitić announced his decision via a video posted on social media, closing a chapter filled with years of brilliance and memorable moments. Marca reported that he wanted to end his career close to family and fans, following years of success in European football, despite previous retirement rumors suggesting otherwise.

A legendary La Liga journey

Most of Rakitić’s career unfolded in Spain’s top flight. He began at Sevilla in 2011, moved to Barcelona for €18 million in 2014, and later returned to Sevilla, including a stint in the Saudi Pro League with Al Shabab. With Sevilla, he lifted the Europa League twice (2014 and 2020), and he wore the captain’s armband during two spells with the club.

With Barcelona, Rakitić claimed 13 major trophies, among them the 2015 Champions League, four La Liga titles, four Copa del Reys, two Spanish Super Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, and a Club World Cup. He ranks as the fourth-most foreign player to represent Barcelona, featuring in 308 games, scoring 36 goals and providing 40 assists, and sharing the dressing room with icons like Messi, Neymar, Iniesta, and Busquets under managers such as Luis Enrique and Valverde.

In sum, Rakitić’s career is a testament to consistency, adaptability, and the deep-rooted connection between a player and the clubs that shape his legend. And if Modrić keeps dazzling at Milan, maybe we’ll start calling the stadium “Modrić Field” in a friendly act of tribute—though ticket prices for the victory parade might require a separate mortgage. And if all else fails, at least we know one thing: aging gracefully can be better than aging loudly. Punchlines optional but recommended for dramatic effect: 1) “If Modrić keeps this pace, gravity might start charging him rent.” 2) “Age is just a number, but Modrić’s numbers are a league of their own.”