Ex Real Madrid star sends warning to Modric about AC Milan coach

Faruq Ibrahim 11:07 - 05 September 2025

Luka Modric || Image credit: Imago

Luka Modrić arrived at AC Milan this summer and quickly impressed everyone, but the legendary and controversial Antonio Cassano – who else? – sends a warning to the Croatian maestro.

As Luka Modrić prepares for Croatia's World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands tonight at 8:45 PM in Tórshavn, unsettling comments are emerging from Italy. These remarks come from a former striker for numerous European giants, who has, for years, been known for his less-than-flattering critiques of active footballers.

According to the former Italian forward, AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri wields immense influence in the transfer market. It was Allegri's sway that led to the last-day signing of Adrien Rabiot, a player who had been discarded by Marseille.

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The Frenchman's profile perfectly aligns with Allegri's tactical philosophy. So, what does this have to do with Modrić? Well, it means that, in Cassano's opinion, Rabiot will likely be favoured over the Real Madrid and Croatian legend.

"Allegri will just tell him that..."

Allegri influenced Rabiot's arrival. He's a player who makes a difference in Serie A. In the long run, it wouldn't surprise me if Modrić ends up on the bench, because Allegri doesn't favor players of his type. Modrić should be aware that his starting spot is no longer so secure...

He drew a parallel to Andrea Pirlo's situation, who left AC Milan in 2011 after no longer being part of Allegri's plans:

"Remember what happened with Pirlo. For me, Modrić is irreplaceable and should always play, but in Allegri's mind, anything can change. Be careful with what I'm saying." - Antonio Cassano

Cassano also touched upon the situation of Uruguayan striker Santiago Giménez, who endured a difficult summer at AC Milan:

"What they did to that kid, you don't see anywhere else. He did everything to come to the Rossoneri, he was scoring goals from the start, but then he ran into an unstable coach like Conceição. All summer there was talk of selling him, because Vlahović and others were mentioned. It's a shame how they treated him..."

Modrić is pure class, even at 40, as seen in his initial appearances for Milan, but perhaps Cassano's words hold some weight. Meanwhile, Luka is fully focused on leading Croatia to new victories and getting closer to the World Cup.

Modrić's sole focus is currently on the "Vatreni" (Blazers).

The "Vatreni" face the Faroese tonight, with Montenegro visiting Maksimir on Monday. According to coach Zlatko Dalić, there's no reason for the midfielder not to be in the squad.

"You will definitely see Luka, he will be on the field. We have the quality to adapt to our opponents. I expect the Faroese to play in a 5-4-1 formation, and we are ready for that. We will attack down the wings and with balls behind their defensive line... I expect a big fight and discipline from our opponent. Of course, they will also have a lot to say in the match."

Croatia started their qualifiers well, securing two victories against Gibraltar (7-0) and the Czech Republic at home (5-1). The Czech Republic currently leads the group with nine points, but they have played two more games than Croatia. In a group of five teams, Croatia is the clear favorite, followed by the Czech Republic, while Montenegro, with Robert Prosinečki at the helm, secretly hopes for a miracle.

Modrić's Golden Era in Madrid

Modrić was a pivotal player in securing an astonishing six Champions League titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022), alongside four Spanish championships, two Copa del Rey trophies, five UEFA Super Cups, four Spanish Super Cups, and five FIFA Club World Cups. In total, he amassed an incredible 28 trophies during his time in Madrid.

He played 590 matches for Real Madrid, scoring 43 goals and providing 95 assists. Many consider him the greatest Real Madrid player of all time.

Beyond collective successes, Modrić won the Ballon d'Or in 2018, becoming the first player to claim the prestigious award after a decade of dominance by Messi and Ronaldo.

After 13 unforgettable seasons at Real, Modrić decided in 2025 to make one last major career move – a transfer to AC Milan. He left an indelible mark in Madrid, bidding farewell to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium as a legend with a treasure trove of trophies, symbolising one of the most successful eras in the club's history.