Modric and De Bruyne's Big Mission in the Italian League

MILAN, WEDNESDAY – Luka Modric, who will turn 40 next month, still has a strong motivation to achieve more accomplishments. This season, he is determined to restore AC Milan to its rightful position, competing for the Serie A title and being competitive at the European level.

Similarly, Kevin De Bruyne is also excited to embark on a new adventure with Napoli, the defending champion. In fact, he turned 34 years old last June.

Modric and De Bruyne may no longer be young, but their experience in high-level competitions will be crucial for Milan and Napoli. These veteran stars, with a wealth of achievements, can significantly enhance motivation and serve as a driving force for the team's spirit.

Modric's achievements are remarkable. He has won the league seven times, three times with Dinamo Zagreb and four times with Real Madrid. At the European level, this complete midfielder also led "El Real" to secure six UEFA Champions League titles. Moreover, Modric once defeated Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2018 Ballon d'Or nominations. Modric's ability to unify the team's play was also evident at the national team level, particularly when Croatia reached the final of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The quality of Modric is what is hoped to inspire the "Rossoneri" squad to return to the top of the Serie A league. The focus of Massimiliano Allegri's team is solely on domestic competition as they did not qualify for European levels due to poor performance last season.

Although Modric rarely played a full 90 minutes in La Liga with Real Madrid last season, he still possesses a great enthusiasm to bring Milan back to glory. The slower pace of the game in Serie A will help Modric to rekindle the sparks of his golden era. Furthermore, playing for his childhood idol team also provides an additional boost of motivation for Modric.

"I grew up watching Italian football and my favorite Italian team has always been Milan. My idol in that team is Zvonimir Boban. I have always had a special connection with AC Milan," said Modric at the inaugural press conference with AC Milan, Monday (4/8/2025).

"I have a positive feeling about the upcoming season. Last year, AC Milan delivered peak performance at the Bernabeu (winning 3-1 against Real Madrid), and we need to find a way to return to that level and maintain it for as long as possible," Modric continued.

He also acknowledged that AC Milan is one of the best teams in the world. "This club has won the Champions League seven times. Therefore, an average season is unacceptable. We must work hard to bring AC Milan to the highest level possible. I enjoy winning and I am competitive. That is what I want to bring to this team," Modric stated subsequently.

"The minimum target is to qualify for the upcoming Champions League, but we also have to work hard to win trophies. That is my target," said Modric.

The positive value that Modric brings to every club he represents is his work ethic and professional attitude. His personality, shaped by the hardships of war during his childhood, makes Modric very resilient, persistent, and appreciative of his teammates. Therefore, he is able to blend and integrate into every different style of play.

"I feel fortunate to be here and want to contribute with my passion, humility, work ethic, and grounded attitude," Modric stated.

"I will bring my experience to AC Milan and give everything I have to continue doing what I have always done throughout my career. There are high hopes placed on me, but I am ready for it and eager to start this challenge," said Modric.

Regarding his position in the Rossoneri's game plan, Modric emphasized that he can always give his best when he is in midfield.

"I think everyone knows that I prefer playing in the midfield, controlling the tempo and keeping the team moving. I still need to talk to the coach to understand where he wants to play me. From there, I just need to work and give my all. I believe I can perform different roles in the midfield. For me, the most important thing is the team, and I will do whatever the coach asks of me," Modric stated.

Modric's motivation to restore Milan's glory is also ignited within De Bruyne, who has joined Napoli this season. The genius player, synonymous with Manchester City where he won six Premier League titles and one Champions League, also aims to elevate Napoli to a prominent position in European football.

"I am here because this club is very competitive and I will be able to showcase my quality here. I am very excited about this new adventure. I still have the motivation and quality to be competitive at this level. I am impressed with Napoli's plans and I am very happy with my choice," said De Bruyne on Napoli's official website.

"I come to the team with many quality players who want to perform well in all competitions. We hope to achieve the highest possible position in the league and perform well in the Champions League and the Coppa Italia. This is a new experience for me, and I know it is different from the Premier League. I must adapt to this team and Serie A, a very competitive league with many good teams. I am confident and excited to play," said De Bruyne, who hails from Belgium.

For De Bruyne, who has already won a plethora of championship titles at City, being in Napoli represents a new and challenging adventure. He still wants to demonstrate his quality as he did in his youth, when he was the primary target of opposing defenders' attention.

De Bruyne's playing vision is so clear that he is able to find gaps to distribute the ball in every match. He can also play in several positions, ranging from attacking midfielder, playmaker, second striker, to playing on the wing.

"I am no longer the youngest, but I still have something to offer. I can help other players and learn a lot about something for myself, such as a new playing style," said De Bruyne.

"I believe I can still perform at a good level. There will come a time when I feel unable to do that, but right now I am 34 years old and I still feel capable. I need to demonstrate that on the field," stated De Bruyne.

"It is an honor to play for the same team as (Diego) Maradona. I don't think it adds pressure. When you play for a big team, there is always pressure because they want to win. Maradona is a legend, but I am a player for myself. I will do my best and hopefully bring joy to the city and the fans," De Bruyne stated subsequently.