Luka Modrić returned to Milan's squad for yesterday's away match against Genoa, three weeks after breaking his toe in a collision with Manuel Locatelli during a derby against Juventus. Though the Croatian midfielder did not enter the game, he once again displayed his leadership qualities by enthusiastically encouraging his teammates from the bench throughout the match, including during the ten minutes of injury time when Milan secured their crucial 2-1 victory. This was reported by Corriere della Sera.

Modrić was initially sidelined for a season after the surgery, with a return only anticipated for the World Cup. However, he made an unexpected comeback for the penultimate match of the season against Genoa.

Milan Struggles Without Modrić

Modrić's injury left Milan without a key player at a critical time, four games before the end of the season. Without him, the team suffered a significant decline; they had been competing for the top spot under his leadership but fell to fourth place and a Champions League qualification position.

Milan played two matches without Modrić, against Sassuolo and Atalanta, and lost both. Juventus overtook them, Roma caught up, and Como was only five points behind. Therefore, a win was imperative against Genoa, which they achieved. Post-match, the Italian media praised Modrić for his leadership despite not playing.

"Modrić is a true leader. Though he did not enter the game, the Croatian star played a significant role from the bench, enthusiastically encouraging his teammates throughout the ten minutes of injury time and providing guidance," wrote MilanNews24.

Allegri: Modrić’s Passion is a Lesson for All

After the match, coach Massimiliano Allegri spoke highly of Modrić: "It's a pleasure to work with Luka and to see how much love and passion he continues to bring to this sport. He really wanted to play today, but I preferred to give the position to Loftus who is better at jumping. I needed someone to keep the ball, but there were a few fouls, and his injury was still fresh...

He offered himself, and I am very happy about that. This is truly beautiful. This should be a lesson for all footballers and for all children who play football. Football is a wonderful sport; sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But the passion and love with which this sport should be played should be learned from such great champions. I have had the pleasure of coaching many giants and have never led someone who did not possess these qualities."