Juventus boss gushes over Luka Modric and Xabi Alonso – ‘Someone like him is born every 300 years’ | OneFootball

Juventus manager Igor Tudor had nothing but praise for Real Madrid legend Luka Modric ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 clash.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of his side’s Round of 16 tie against Real Madrid, Tudor highlighted how special Modric is, both as a player and a person.

“In a country like Croatia, with fewer than 4 million people, someone like Luka is born every 300 years. He’s a source of pride for our entire country,” Tudor said.

He also pointed out that while everyone knows Modric as an amazing footballer, not everyone realises how humble and kind he is off the pitch.

Tudor added with a smile, “I love him very much, and I hope he keeps enjoying himself because he’s only 40.”

Modric’s future and Tudor’s respect for Real Madrid

Although nothing is official yet, Modric is widely expected to join AC Milan after the Club World Cup. This potential move would keep the 39-year-old maestro in Europe, where fans could continue to enjoy his incredible game in Serie A.

For Milan, signing Modric would bring experience and world-class quality to their midfield, making them even stronger.

Igor Tudor has nothing but praise for Modric and Alonso. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Tudor did not stop at praising Modric; he also spoke highly of Real Madrid’s new manager Xabi Alonso. “I expect great things from him,” Tudor said, appreciating the work Alonso has done so far.

He described Real Madrid as a team known for their effort and teamwork, and he knows his side faces a tough challenge. “Everyone wants to beat Madrid. You have to see it as an opportunity, play with focus but also courage,” he told his players.

Tudor finished by saying Juventus are working hard to prepare for the match, showing respect for Madrid’s success in recent years.

“Tomorrow we have a difficult match, we will analyse it carefully. We shouldn’t talk about the players.

“I have a lot of respect, but I tell my players that in the end, these are the best matches. Everyone wants to beat Madrid, you have to treat it like that, as an opportunity, with focus but also courage ,” he stated.

“We have a lot of respect for this team, a team that has always been good in these tournaments over the last 10 years, in all competitions.

“We want to advance, we want to play our cards right. We’re preparing as best we can, and then we’ll see what happens,” he concluded.

Source: MARCA