At 40 years old, Luka Modric remains a key player for a leading European club, AC Milan, and his performance statistics clearly indicate he hasn’t lost his edge.
While Modric has now comfortably integrated into his new role in Italy, the summer was profoundly emotional for him as he said farewell to Real Madrid following the FIFA Club World Cup.
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This moment, coupled with Real Madrid’s defeat to PSG, symbolized not just the end of his time at the club, but also the conclusion of an era in its storied history.
Reflecting on His Time at Real Madrid
“When I entered the locker room, the biggest names were there: Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuain, Xabi Alonso. Cristiano, who was on the treatment table, looked up and said, ‘You’ve finally arrived,’” he recalled.
He also highlighted who played the most pivotal role in his transfer to Real Madrid.
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“Mourinho is the person primarily responsible for my move to Real Madrid. Had he not been the coach, I may never have joined. He wanted me, and nobody else,” Modric explained.
Expounding on Mourinho’s influence, he added, “Real Madrid had interests in Silva, Mata, and Cazorla, but Mourinho insisted, ‘It’s either Luka or no one.’ That made all the difference.”
“He could have opted to wait for someone else, but he didn’t, and for that, I am incredibly thankful. My only regret is that I didn’t have more time working with him,” he expressed, clearly showing his appreciation for Mourinho.
Modric also reflected on his experience with another legendary coach, Zinedine Zidane, and all that he learned during his time at the club.
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“Winning three Champions Leagues in a row was remarkable. His presence in the locker room was awe-inspiring. We all looked at him like kids. We conversed with him, practiced alongside him. As Ancelotti’s assistant, he was reserved, but as head coach, he was phenomenal,” he remarked.
“Zidane has this special aura; he understands football profoundly. He knew precisely what the team needed, recognized the talents, held high expectations, and rotated players frequently because he had faith in everyone. That phase with him was truly special,” he added.
One of the greatest ever. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Modric also highlighted Zidane’s remarkable playing skills, even while coaching.
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“Occasionally, he would join our training sessions. While he couldn’t run as much, his quality was simply astounding. He’s straightforward and honest, much like Mourinho,” he shared.
The conversation then shifted to Modric’s transition from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid, a move he initially deemed improbable.
“I enjoyed my time at Tottenham, but I was eager to take the next step. Chelsea was interested in me,” he explained.
“Eventually, Daniel Levy told me, ‘The only club I’ll allow you to join is Real Madrid.’ Even with my self-belief, it seemed like an unattainable dream,” Modric admitted.
He recounted the former chairman’s serious stance regarding his potential transfer.
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“I asked, ‘What if Real Madrid doesn’t come calling?’ He replied, ‘That’s the only club I’ll let you go to,’” Modric recalled.
He then shared how the opportunity with Real Madrid eventually materialized and the efforts he made to make it happen.
“Right before the Euro, I received a call saying Real Madrid wanted me. I was in disbelief. The move wasn’t straightforward. The negotiations were long and challenging,” he noted.
“Everyone knows how I acted during that time. It was tough to take that leap, but I kept my word, and my word is paramount to me,” he concluded.
“I get that negotiations can be complex, but it was draining. That’s why I chose to make that move; I was willing to stop playing if it meant achieving it,” he finalized.