Luka Modric was given a standing ovation as he was forced off the pitch following a heavy collision with Manuel Locatelli during AC Milan’s 0-0 draw against Juventus in Serie A.
The 40-year-old Croatian midfielder sustained a visible bruise around his eye after the clash and had to leave the match in the 80th minute. Coach Massimiliano Allegri decided to replace Modric with Jashari after the strong impact with Locatelli. The former Real Madrid star exited the San Siro to a full stadium standing ovation.
Manuel Locatelli told DAZN after the incident: “I regret that a champion like Modric had to leave the field. I hope it’s just a knock and he recovers soon, as the champion he is.”
The Juventus captain also commented on the draw against Milan: “We expected this because we know how AC Milan prepares for games. We could have moved the ball faster, but we drew, and now we need to focus on the upcoming matches. From here to the end, we have to win every game to stay in the Champions League zone.”