Milan’s Modric heaps praise on Inter midfielder Sucic: ‘Let’s hope he respects me’ | OneFootball

Milan midfielder Luka Modric was full of praise for compatriot Petar Sucic, who joined Inter at the start of the summer transfer window: ‘Our generation achieved incredible results, but there are young players like him who could reach even higher heights’.

Modric, who is celebrating his 40th birthday on Tuesday, started in midfield alongside Sucic for Croatia’s 4-0 win over Montenegro in World Cup qualifying on Monday night. Having come off the bench in a 1-0 victory over the Faroe Islands on Friday, the former Real Madrid midfielder is now up to 190 caps for his country.

What Modric said about Inter midfielder Sucic

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 17: Luka Modric of AC Milan looks on during the Coppa Italia match between AC Milan and SSC Bari at Stadio San Siro on August 17, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The legendary former Ballon d’Or winner spoke to SportMediaset after Croatia’s victory over Montenegro on Monday night, and was asked for his thoughts on his midfield partner Petar Sucic, who will return to being a rival now that their international commitments are done for the month.

“He’s a very strong player and a great guy,” Modric told SportMediaset.

“We’ve already played together before, and he’s shown his qualities. It’s no coincidence that he’s signed for a top club like Inter. You will certainly get to know him a bit better and see his talent.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Petar Sucic #8 of FC Internazionale Milano passes the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

“He can still improve, I enjoy playing with him and I hope that he always continues to improve, even if we will face each other in the derby soon, we will see how he treats me. Let’s hope he respects me and doesn’t go too quickly,” Modric joked. “But for the moment, I’m enjoying playing with him.”

Then came perhaps the most meaningful compliment of Modric’s interview: “Our generation felt unrepeatable, it achieved incredible results, but there are young players like him who could reach even higher heights.