Real Madrid legend opens up on the high standards at club: ‘They do not tolerate mediocrity’

Luka Modric’s departure from Real Madrid last summer marked the end of an era for the club. The decision, however, was said to have been made keeping the greater good in mind as the management decided to phase away from the veteran core.

The Croatian star, since then, has been enjoying life in the Serie A and has become an important player in AC Milan’s dynamics.

Despite being 40 years of age, the midfielder has started 12 league games for the Italian club and has racked up a goal and two assists in that duration.

In a recent interview (h/t Mundo Deportivo ), the Real Madrid legend opened up on leaving the club and how the decision was not an easy one for him.

“Honestly, it wasn’t easy, because I spent 13 years, almost half of my life, basically in a club, in a city. It was one of the best times of my life,” he began.

“I arrived in Madrid perhaps relatively late, at 27 years old, but at the right time. I was ready for that step. The four years in England helped me a lot. And everything I lived and achieved in Madrid after that seems incredible,” he added.

Speaking on what his time at the Spanish club meant to him and his experience playing for Los Blancos , the midfielder said,

“Beyond trophies and victories, being thirteen years in a club like this – I arrived with 27 and stayed until almost forty, and that’s amazing!”

“Because you already know what kind of club Madrid is, you know that they do not tolerate mediocrity, and staying at that level, in a club like this, for so many years, with all the success I have had there, is incredible,” he elaborated.

Modric left Real Madrid last summer to join AC Milan. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Modric then spoke on how he himself was surprised by his longevity and how he thought his career at the elite level would end far earlier.

“Before, I thought I would be satisfied if I had finished my degree at 35. But my professional resume has exceeded that limit a long time ago, and I can’t hide my gratitude: I’m still, thank God, at that level, and that’s amazing!”

The club legend was then asked about his initial idea of retiring at Real Madrid , and he defended it by hinting that he would have done it had the club given him a chance.

“I have always said it, and it was not just a phrase of courtesy, nor a compliment to the fans or the club: my greatest desire was to retire to Madrid.”

“But, simply, everything has a beginning and an end,” he added.

Finally, Modric was asked why he opted to sign for AC Milan after his chapter with Los Blancos , and he responded by stating how he was forced to choose from a pool of options all of which were inferior to Real Madrid .

“After Real Madrid , I have always said that, wherever you go, it is a step backwards. There is no doubt, and all the players confirm it.”

“But I think I have reached a club very close to Real Madrid in terms of reputation and history: for me, it is the most ideal situation that could have happened to me,” he added.