Real Madrid legend Modric was interviewed by Roncero at Milanello, AC Milan's training ground, where he spoke about his life at Milan and his decision to continue playing, reflected on his Real Madrid career, and discussed Mourinho, Ronaldo, Mbappé, Bellingham, Vinicius, and the possibility of returning to Real Madrid in the future. This article is the fourth part of the exclusive interview.

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Have you ever wondered why you won more Champions League titles than La Liga titles? Now that everyone knows about the Negreira case, looking back, did you ever feel that some referee decisions were abnormal at the time?

Well, I don't know. Honestly, all of this is really abnormal. I don't want to go deeper into this topic because I don't like talking about these things.

As for why we won more Champions League titles than La Liga titles during my era? I think it's because we didn't focus as much on every match, every league round. We always felt there was still time to turn things around, but in the Champions League, we know we can't make mistakes.

The reason we could achieve what we achieved in the Champions League is because we knew that if we made a mistake, we'd be eliminated. In La Liga, we always felt we could chase down lost points later, but Barcelona at that time was very strong, and they wouldn't give you a chance to catch up. So I think that's why we won fewer La Liga titles than Champions League titles during that period. But I wouldn't change anything.

It's better to win more Champions League titles than more La Liga titles.

Yes. The Champions League is a trophy everyone wants to win, and having 6 Champions League titles is truly incredible, so I wouldn't change anything.

But you just said the Negreira incident was "abnormal"...

Yes, of course it's abnormal, but I don't dwell on it too much. It is abnormal, but I think we also bear our own responsibility for not winning more La Liga titles.

During that golden era, you also won the Ballon d'Or. The last AC Milan player to win the Ballon d'Or was Kaká in 2007. From 2008 to 2017, the Ballon d'Or was dominated by Ronaldo and Messi until you came and broke their monopoly. I imagine that although you've always been a team player, this individual honor is also every footballer's dream, and no one can take it from you because you earned it with your performances.

Yes, that's truly incredible. It's the highest individual award, and there's no other individual award more important than that.

Especially winning it in an era with two phenomenal players like Ronaldo and Messi, and with other outstanding players competing every year, like Neymar and Benzema, who won the Ballon d'Or a few years later, and many other players.

Being able to win it is truly incredible. Looking at the list of players who have won the Ballon d'Or and knowing that I have it too makes me very happy and satisfied. And I come from a small country. Compared to players from big countries like Spain, Italy, Germany, or France, it's always much harder for us to win an award like that; we have to work twice as hard.

Precisely because of this, I'm even more proud of this award. However, I always say that collective awards are what matter most, and that won't change.

The Ballon d'Or is an incredible recognition of a great season I had. I performed very well at Real Madrid, and especially brilliantly with the Croatian national team, so I'm very happy about it.

So who do you think will win it this year? Everyone is talking about Mbappé, Rodri, Bellingham. Bellingham performed very well at the World Cup and had a very strong start to the new season. If you had to choose one, who do you think performed better and most deserves the award?

I don't know, honestly. I don't want to name anyone or say who deserves it more. People will choose and decide who ultimately wins. There are many candidates from Real Madrid and other teams. Let's see who wins in the end; I don't want to talk about specific names.

I understand. Now, whenever the Ballon d'Or is discussed, it always triggers controversy. So let's set the Ballon d'Or aside for now. Tell me about Mbappé, Bellingham, and Vinicius. This trio is truly incredible. Last season was a bit unusual, but all three are really exceptional players, aren't they?

They are all phenomenal players. I'm very pleased that Vinicius has renewed his contract with the club. Given everything he can bring to the team, it wouldn't be good if he couldn't stay.

Kylian is truly outstanding. His ease in scoring goals and his speed are really amazing. But I feel closer to Jude because he's a midfielder, like I am.

A midfielder...

Yes. From day one, I saw something different in him. First, as a player, he has extraordinary talent, but also his personality.

He could be a leader.

Yes, he could be a leader. The Bernabéu fans appreciate his attitude—giving everything and fighting with all his might on the pitch.

They appreciate not just talent, but also effort. His performances at the World Cup and his performances since the start of this season have been truly exceptional. I hope he can keep it up.

Many people at Real Madrid hope that after you retire, you could return to the Bernabéu as director of sports or as a coach. I imagine you've imagined countless possibilities for the future. But are you aware that people are always expecting you to return to Real Madrid someday?

I hope it happens. Real Madrid is my home, and always will be. Because of everything I experienced there, I will always be a Real Madrid person.

Those were the best years of my professional and personal life. I hope to return someday, but we'll have to see in what capacity. I'm someone who wants to do things well and wants to be useful. I won't return to Real Madrid just because my name is Modric and live there without knowing what I'm doing. I can't do that kind of job. If I return, I want to be useful, I want to be an important member, and I want to truly take on a significant role in whatever I do.

As Mourinho said recently, it's about working "for" Real Madrid, helping the club wherever I can, because I don't know how to do things halfway. I do something well, or I don't do it at all. We'll see in the future, but returning would certainly be a dream.

Precisely because of this, Luka, you are a champion and role model for everyone.

Thank you.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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