Luka Modric is 'an inspiration!' Adrien Rabiot names Real Madrid legend 'the driving force behind everything' at AC Milan as Max Allegri's men ‘have the quality’ to win Serie A title

After a disastrous 2024-25 campaign, which saw Milan finish in eighth position and change managers twice, the club hired Massimiliano Allegri – returning after 11 years – and overhauled their midfield. Indeed, the Rossoneri bought Samuele Ricci and Ardon Jashari, along with the free signing of Madrid legend Modric. Rabiot, too, returned to the Serie A after his controversy at Marseille. 

What sets Modric, one of the greatest midfielders of all time, apart from other elite midfielders is his unparalleled longevity. Having turned 40 in September, Modric is one of the first names on the team sheet and his credentials as a six-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid seem to be rubbing off well on his Milan team-mates. The midfield magician has been among Serie A's best players in the first two months of the season and has been putting in match-winning performances, which has seen Allegri's side emerge as one of the early favourites to lift the Scudetto at the end of the season. 

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Rabiot was lavish in his praise of Modric. "I'm not surprised by his commitment and professionalism, otherwise he wouldn't be at this level at his age," said the ex-Juventus man. "I'm surprised because at forty, what he does isn't something you can take for granted. He's someone who continues to give everything in matches and in training. A true example for everyone.

"He's an inspiration, but then it depends on different variables: his physique, injuries. Modric certainly has great passion. And passion is the driving force behind everything. And then he's happy to continue training hard and playing." 

With 13 points from their first six games, Allegri's troops are currently in third position on the table, two points below defending champions Napoli and Roma. Rabiot believes that his new side can go all the way this season. "As usual, there are so many teams. Seeing Roma so high up is a bit of a surprise," he said. 

"Napoli remains the strongest. Inter is the Italian team that has done best in Europe so far, and unlike us, they have the advantage of playing together for a long time. It's not a given that we'll immediately create the right dynamic. Juve has quality, but less than Napoli or Inter; they still lack the chemistry needed to win the Scudetto. They'll be fighting for a Champions League spot. 

"We'll definitely fight until the end, and I hope to win the Scudetto again, because we didn't celebrate the one against Juventus properly due to Covid. This time, I'd like to celebrate with all the fans in the square."