Calcio Italiano: AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim and defender Matteo Gabbia in awe of Luka Modric

Luka Modric turns 41 years-old in a little over a month — but even though the legendary Croatian midfielder is practically the same age as his AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim, he continues to draw superlatives from the footballing world.

And as Perth prepares to welcome one of the greatest players of all time, his coach and teammate Matteo Gabbia have backed the superstar to continue to deliver impact in abundance.

Off the back of a sixth-straight FIFA World Cup, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner will arrive in WA in the coming days to link up with the rest of his teammates ahead of next Wednesday’s pre-season clash with Inter Milan at Optus Stadium.

Provided Modric is not still feeling the after-effects of the World Cup, Amorim said the plan was for him to play against Inter.

Modric officially re-signed with the Rossoneri on the weekend after his first season in Serie A and Amorim said the ex-Real Madrid and Tottenham star still had plenty to offer the team.

“What I saw last year, I saw a player that still can play in a high level. He did very very well, not just during the season, but also in the World Cup,” he said.

“We need experience. We are bringing a lot of young players, and for a young player to succeed, we need to provide experience around him.

“Sometimes it’s not how fast you run, it’s how fast you think and he is really good on that, and it’s going to to help our kids.

“We want to base our game in the possession of the ball; if there is one guy in the world that can be really useful in having the ball, it is Luka.”

Even in an era where athleticism is prized and many of the best teams in the world press high and thrive in transitional, counter-attacking circumstances, Modric remains one of the game’s better midfield conductors and tempo-setters.

Milan defender Matteo Gabbia said he could not quite say why the quadragenarian was still so good at dictating proceedings.

“Maybe this question is better if you ask Luka, but I think he is unbelievable professional, an unbelievable player, and to have this magic, it’s difficult to to say why,” he said.

Speaking via translation, Gabbia said Modric’s impact on him in just one year playing together had been immense.

“Luka has taught me lessons that go far beyond football. If you’re someone who’s eager to learn and constantly looking to improve, then just watching Luka in his everyday routine gives you valuable insights and plenty to learn from,” he said.“On the pitch, of course, he has qualities that are almost impossible to replicate, but I’m absolutely delighted — personally more than anyone — that he’s signed a new contract and will be staying with us for another season.

“Punctuality is certainly one aspect, although I almost take that for granted. What really stands out is his curiosity and his constant desire to learn.

“I’ve never once heard him reject an idea from a coach or say ‘no, I don’t agree,’ or ‘I’d rather do it this way,’ or ‘I feel more comfortable doing something different.’

“He’s always curious, always willing to learn and always open to improving. That’s an incredible lesson for everyone because we’re talking about someone who has won everything there is to win in football.

“At his level, he could easily feel entitled to behave differently, but he’s never like that. He never puts himself above anyone else, and I think that’s one of the greatest lessons you can receive, not only as a footballer but as a person.”

An impactful Modric will certainly help Amorim in his first season in charge of AC Milan. The Portuguese manager was hailed as Manchester United’s saviour when he arrived at Old Trafford in November 2024, but lasted less than 14 months before being relieved of his post in January.

“They (Milan) understood that I was prepared for this job, not just because of the success I had in in the past, but also from my failures,” he said.

“I learned a lot (in Manchester). It would be hard to point (to) one thing, but the important thing, I clearly know I did a lot of mistakes and when you have that reflection, you understand that it was not their fault, it was also my fault, you can be a better coach and a better man.”