Football & PR: Christian Pulisic urged to learn from Luka Modric as USMNT star finds perfect mentor at AC Milan

Modric finds himself in Italy after bringing a 13-year stint at Real Madrid to a close. He took in 597 appearances for the Blancos, helping them to four La Liga titles and six Champions League crowns.

A prestigious Golden Ball was passed in Modric’s direction in 2018, following his exploits for Croatia at that summer’s World Cup, and his vast experience is now being put to good use in Milan. The all-time great is, like Cristiano Ronaldo, prolonging his career at 40 years of age.

United States international Pulisic - who is of Croatian heritage - has been told that he could not wish for a better mentor. The 26-year-old, who is fondly known as ‘Captain America’ in his homeland, has been told to learn from how Modric goes about his business on and off the pitch.

Ex-Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic, who played alongside Modric at international level, has told the ‘Call It What You Want’ podcast from CBS Sports: “I think, first of all, Pulisic has to learn a bit more Croatian. First step. And then I think there are some players, during their career, as is possibly [the case with] Luka, they are different. But why are they different? Because they are able to get the control of a team or of some guys, to give them something special where they really can improve their game, you know. And Luka is like this ... Luka will be like this with him, but also with all the other guys, and I think this will be the best part for Pulisic to enjoy this time he will have with Luka on the pitch.

“Because after that, the time is flying. Time is passing so fast. I think he has to try to learn from Luka, but not only on the pitch and during the training sessions. When they are on the way, how he really is dealing with PR, all these parts are important. This was maybe something similar when I was with Xavi in the team in Barca. I tried to learn from this guy, by doing everything you know, and this is where he can really say maybe in 10 or 15 years, this year or two years, I don't know how long he will stay in Milan, was amazing because there you can learn many things. What it is really to be a player on the highest level.”

Pulisic has already become a talismanic figure for Milan, allowing him to generate talk of a new contract being signed, while taking on leadership duties for the USMNT. He has scored two goals through three appearances for the Rossoneri this season.