Luka Modric Reflects on Mourinho’s Impact and His Football Journey

Luka Modric, the Croatian midfielder currently playing for AC Milan and a former player for Real Madrid, revealed that Portuguese coach José Mourinho made Cristiano Ronaldo cry during their time together at the Spanish club due to Ronaldo not chasing a rival to defend.

In an interview with ‘Corriere della Sera’, Modric described Mourinho as the toughest coach he had encountered, stating, “I saw him make Cristiano cry in the locker room, a man who gives everything on the field, simply because he didn’t chase down the opposing full-back. Mourinho is very direct with his players, but he is honest.”

Modric noted that Mourinho treated all players equally, stating, “He addressed Sergio Ramos and newcomers in the same way; if he needed to tell you something, he did. Max Allegri is also like that: he tells you plainly what is right and what is wrong. Honesty is fundamental. For me, Mourinho is special, both as a coach and as a person.”

He continued, “He was the one who wanted me at Real Madrid. Without Mourinho, I would never have arrived there. I regret only having him for one season.” Modric considers Carlo Ancelotti, his former coach at Real Madrid, to be “the best.”

Reflecting on Ancelotti, Modric expressed, “It’s hard to find the words. It’s not just about his qualities as a coach; it’s his personality. We talked a lot about Milan when we were in Madrid. This place was also unique for him. I remember when I first met him; I was alone in the city. He called me and said, ‘Come, come have dinner with me.’ We talked for hours about everything: football, family, life. Normally, coaches don’t trust their players. He does.”

Modric identified his childhood coach, Tomo Basic, as the most significant influence in his life, helping him achieve his goals. He also expressed his discomfort with the question, “Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?”

“They both marked an era. I feel closer to Cristiano because I played with him; he was my teammate at Madrid. I can assure you that he is not just a great footballer; he is an incredible person. People don’t know, but he has a huge heart and is always ready to help others. He is a simple and normal man,” Modric remarked, while acknowledging Messi as an extraordinary player as well.

Moreover, Modric reflected on his extensive career and personal life, including the war that claimed his grandfather’s life. He confided that if he had not become a footballer, he would have liked to work as a waiter, having studied at the Borik hospitality school. As a child, he was a Milan fan because of his idol Zvonimir Boban. He firmly believed his journey would lead him to Real Madrid, attributing his success to his passion for football, and he considers himself a humble and normal person living a regular life.