Rakitic wishes Modric a happy 41st birthday and calls for a statue for Cesc Fàbregas

Luka Modric celebrated his 41st birthday on Wednesday surrounded by messages of affection, and one of the most special arrived through a phone screen. Ivan Rakitic, his former Croatia teammate and now retired, called him on a video call to congratulate him, as the ex-Barcelona and Sevilla player explained in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The conversation between the two legendary Balkan midfielders underlines a friendship that goes far beyond the pitch. Rakitic not only marked Modric's birthday, but also used the moment to praise a footballer who continues to compete at the highest level for Milan and the Croatian national team.

• Rakitic congratulated Modric via video call on his 41st birthday.
• The former midfielder says Modric is still in love with football and remains an exceptional professional.
• Rakitic promised to visit San Siro to watch his former Croatia captain play.
• The ex-Barcelona man also praised Como coach Cesc Fàbregas and called for a statue in his honor.

The video call between Rakitic and Modric on his 41st birthday

Rakitic made no secret of how much he enjoys seeing Modric still competing at the top. For him, it is no surprise that the Milan midfielder keeps performing at his age, because his love for the game remains completely intact.

The former Sevilla player explained it clearly: Modric is still in love with football, he feels happy on the pitch and his eyes shine like those of a child. He also described him as an exceptional professional, high praise coming from someone who shared a dressing room with him for years in the Croatia national team.

I hope he is happy. He is football.

Rakitic says he will go to San Siro to watch Modric

The bond between the two goes beyond occasional birthday wishes. Rakitic has said he will travel to Milan to watch his friend play at San Siro, the stadium where Modric currently represents the Rossoneri.

That gesture confirms the admiration he feels for the man who was his captain with Croatia. Rakitic wants to keep supporting him from the stands and celebrate every remaining match of his professional career with him.

Cesc Fàbregas, a coach who deserves a statue according to Rakitic

The interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport was not only about Modric. Rakitic also had words of huge recognition for Cesc Fàbregas, the current Como head coach and a former rival in Clásicos between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

For Rakitic, the Catalan coach has already earned a tribute worthy of the greats: a statue in front of the stadium. His reasoning is emphatic: combining results and entertainment in the same project is extremely difficult, and Fàbregas is managing to do it.

The former Barcelona player highlighted the clarity of the Como manager's ideas and his ability to transmit them to the squad. That blend of conviction and communication, in his view, makes Fàbregas a special coach in Italian football.

The word of a champion: Rakitic's Champions League with Barcelona

Rakitic knows exactly what it means to perform at the elite level. With Barcelona he won the 2014-15 Champions League, as well as multiple domestic and international titles. His opinion on Modric and Fàbregas therefore comes backed by a career full of success.

That trophy cabinet gives even more weight to his words. He does not speak as a simple fan, but as someone who has competed against the best and who recognizes greatness from close range.

Frequently asked questions about Rakitic, Modric and Fàbregas