Contra: There is no clear favorite in the Milan derby. Modric’s value needs no introduction.

AC Milan’s former player Contra accepted an exclusive interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, during which he looked forward to this weekend’s Milan Derby.

Do you remember the derby in 2001?

"We had a tough first half, the score was 0-1 (Ventola scored). Then I came on as a substitute (for Albertini) and my task was to attack because I didn't play at right back but almost like a winger, crossing as many crosses as possible. We scored three goals in six minutes and had a huge victory."

How many times have you seen that 2-1 goal?

"I've seen it several times (laughing), because I rarely score with my left foot, and I'm naturally right-footed. But that shot was very powerful and hit the junction of the crossbar and the post."

Then you take off your jersey, and your teammates chase you to celebrate...

"It was a very exciting moment, I admit, because in Milan, the derby is not an ordinary game."

What was the atmosphere like before the game?

"It was special. In Milanello, a lot of fans came to support and everyone on the street reminded you how important it is to beat your local rivals. Inevitably, you feel more pressure."

Only one season at Milan

"It was a great experience, we had a lot of top players: Shevchenko, Maldini, Rui Costa , Pirlo, Gattuso, Inzaghi, Albertini..."

Have you ever thought: "If I had stayed..."

"Milan introduced Cafu, and I received an invitation from Atletico Madrid to return to the familiar Spanish league. It would be easy to say afterwards that I would make different choices, but time cannot be turned back."

Do you still have contact with your former teammates?

"I talked to Gattuso recently and he did a good job with the Italian team. Unfortunately, they met the strong Norway team in the group stage, but I believe he will lead the team to the World Cup. He is an excellent coach with many good ideas and is passionate about his work."

In the play-offs, Italy's opponent may be your native Romania...

"I saw it, I saw it...I don't say anything about this (laughing)."

Chivu is also Romanian, and now he has started his first season coaching the Nerazzurri.

"He is a friend of mine and I wish him all the best. We played together for the national team, have known each other for a long time, and are in constant contact. He took over at Inter Milan in June, just before the Club World Cup, so everything happened very quickly. It wasn't easy at the beginning, but he stabilized things with a series of wins and is now top of both Serie A and the Champions League."

Will this be a derby for the Serie A title?

"Looking at the standings it is true, I think both Milan teams can fight to the end. This has not happened for a long time and I find it fascinating."

Who will you cheer for?

"I always cheer for my former club, so I will cheer for AC Milan. Chivu will understand."

What kind of derby are you looking forward to?

"Inter Milan is a strong team. The players have been together for many years and have reached the Champions League finals twice. Milan has changed a lot recently, but Allegri has proven himself to be a great coach. He has led the team to achieve good results and brought the club back to the heights it deserves."

Who is more favored on Sunday?

"Inter Milan leads the standings, but there is no clear favorite in the derby. Maybe the Nerazzurri playing at home will have more pressure because they don't want to be overtaken, and they have not defeated the Rossoneri in five games."

This is Modric's Milan, a An outstanding championship player

"I don’t need to say more about Modric’s value. He is a top player in his 40s. It is a pleasure to watch him play. It is no accident that he won the Ballon d'Or and six Champions Leagues. He is helping the team improve its level. I hope he can also help the team win the Serie A championship."