Luka Modric has opened up about the significant impact Jose Mourinho had on his career, particularly during his transfer to Real Madrid. The Croatian midfielder expressed deep admiration for the Portuguese manager, stating that he would do anything for him. Modric's remarks come as Mourinho returns to the Santiago Bernabeu, a move he believes can reinvigorate the team's competitive spirit.
In a recent interview with AS, Modric, who departed Real Madrid in 2025 and is set to celebrate his 41st birthday next week, reminisced about Mourinho's crucial role in facilitating his move from Tottenham Hotspur to the Spanish giants. This bond has remained strong over nearly 15 years, illustrating the lasting influence Mourinho has had on Modric's career.
Modric noted the immediate changes he has observed in the team since Mourinho's return, describing the current squad as 'fearsome.' He remarked, "You can already see from the first few matches that this is a different Real Madrid, a fearsome Real Madrid." His confidence in Mourinho's leadership stems from the manager's familiarity with the club and his proven track record as a winner.
Reflecting on his transfer, Modric revealed how pivotal Mourinho's insistence was in securing his signing amid complicated negotiations with Tottenham. He stated, "That’s why I came to Real Madrid. The way the negotiations unfolded, perhaps if it hadn’t been for that, Real Madrid would have withdrawn from the deal because of all the back and forth." This underscores the depth of Modric's gratitude towards Mourinho, who he credits for his successful transition to one of the world's most prestigious clubs.
Modric's affection for Mourinho is evident as he shared, "Mourinho is special to me because of how he fought for my signing; that’s something you don’t forget. I would do anything for him." Although their communication has dwindled over time, Modric continues to wish Mourinho well and believes he is at the right club, calling Real Madrid the best in the world.
When asked about the implications of Mourinho's return for rivals like Barcelona, Modric maintained a focus on Real Madrid's own performance rather than comparing it to others. He emphasized, "Real Madrid should never look at what others are doing, only at itself." His comments reflect a traditional Madrid mindset, focusing on self-improvement rather than external pressures.
Modric also touched on the current state of the team, praising emerging talents such as Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. He expressed particular admiration for Bellingham, noting his potential to become a leader at the club. Modric stated, "The fans at the Bernabéu appreciate that he gives his all on the pitch; they value not just his talent, but his hard work." This endorsement of the younger players highlights Modric's commitment to the team's future.
As he looks back on his time at Real Madrid, Modric expressed a desire to return to the club in some capacity after his retirement, affirming, "Madrid is my home and always will be. I’ll always be a Madridista because of everything I experienced there." His reflections not only celebrate his past but also hint at a hopeful future with the club he cherishes.
Leave a Comment