When Luka Modric arrived at Milan this summer time, the thrill round his signing was already immense. A Ballon d’Or winner, a five-time Champions League champion, and one of the vital revered playmakers of his era — but at 40 years previous, many puzzled how a lot he nonetheless needed to provide. They quickly received their reply. Modric didn’t simply convey his magical proper foot to San Siro — he introduced management, humility, and an surprising gesture that may immediately make him a favourite amongst his new teammates. As Santiago Gimenez not too long ago revealed, the Croatian veteran discovered a method to win over the complete dressing room in a manner few might have imagined.
Since becoming a member of from Actual Madrid on a free switch, Luka Modric has been nothing wanting transformative. He shortly turned the centerpiece of Massimiliano Allegri’s tactical setup, orchestrating Milan’s midfield with the calm precision that outlined his years in Spain.
His statistics have shocked even the skeptics: a 91% go accuracy, over 560 touches in seven matches, and 90% completion in opposition to Fiorentina, the place he additionally received six duels and created 4 possibilities — a masterclass in management and imaginative and prescient. He has already contributed a aim and an help, however greater than that, he has restored a way of authority and steadiness to the Rossoneri’s midfield.
His ardour is plain. When Milan beat Napoli earlier this month, cameras captured Modric’s emotional celebration — fists clenched, eyes glistening, roaring like a person half his age. It was a glimpse of how a lot the sport nonetheless burns inside him, even after twenty years on the high.
What did Santiago Gimenez say about Luka Modric?
However in response to Santiago Gimenez, Modric’s impression wasn’t restricted to the pitch. In an interview on ‘Jorgio & Rubio’ and later by way of a TikTok clip that went viral, the Mexican striker shared the story that melted the hearts of Milan followers in every single place.
“We arrived within the locker room and every participant had a brand new iPhone in his place,” Gimenez revealed. “Modric gave it to us. When a participant arrives at a brand new staff, he has to sing in entrance of everybody. As an alternative of singing, he determined to purchase everybody telephones.”
The room reportedly burst into laughter and disbelief when the gamers found the presents. Within the Purple and Blacks’ locker room, it’s a long-standing ritual that each newcomer — irrespective of their fame — should carry out a tune in entrance of the staff. However the Croatian veteran, by no means one for theatrics, selected generosity as an alternative.
“He didn’t need to sing, however he needed to do one thing particular,” Gimenez continued. “And this was his manner of claiming thanks and displaying respect to everybody.” It was a small gesture on the floor, nevertheless it spoke volumes about Modric’s humility — and about how simply he blends greatness with grace.
