Luka Modric praises Piotr Zielinski after Milan visit

Luka Modric used Milan’s visit to Poland to offer glowing praise for Piotr Zielinski, describing the Poland international as an outstanding player after the Italian side’s SuperMecz win over Manchester United in Wroclaw.

Modric speaks during Milan trip to Poland

Saturday’s exhibition at Tarczyński Arena Wrocław ended with Milan beating Manchester United 4:2 to lift the trophy. Around the occasion, Sport.pl was able to speak to Modric, who reflected both on his own history against United and on one of Poland’s leading players abroad.

The Croatian midfielder looked back to 2017, when he faced Manchester United as a Real Madrid player in the UEFA Super Cup. He recalled that night positively, pointing to the quality of the opposition and the fact his side went on to win the trophy. In that match, Modric also scored as Real Madrid beat United 2:1.

He did not score in Wroclaw, but Milan still came away with a convincing victory in front of the Polish crowd.

Warm words for Piotr Zielinski

Asked about Polish footballers, Modric singled out Zielinski for special praise. He said Poland continues to produce many very good players and made clear the regard he has for the midfielder.

“I know Piotr Zielinski well. I have played against him a few times. I really like this player. He is outstanding when he has the ball and plays well with both feet. He is a great and very talented player. Whenever I play against him, I like watching him in action.”

It was a notable endorsement from one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation, and one that underlines Zielinski’s standing in Italian football.

A familiar rivalry

Modric and Zielinski are no strangers to one another. According to the source material, they have faced each other seven times. Modric has won six of those meetings, while one ended in a draw.

• Three meetings came when they represented Real Madrid and Napoli
• Two came in the Milan derby
• Two came at international level

Those repeated encounters help explain why Modric spoke with such certainty about Zielinski’s qualities. His assessment was not based on reputation alone, but on direct experience across club and international football.

Another meeting could be close

There may not be long to wait for the next chapter. The source indicates there is a chance Modric and Zielinski will meet again in October in a Serie A round.

For now, though, the headline from Milan’s trip to Poland was not only the result against Manchester United, but also the respect shown by Modric toward one of Poland’s most accomplished players in Italy. In a short interview around a high-profile summer event, the Croatian’s verdict on Zielinski was emphatic: he sees him as a footballer of genuine class.