Luka Modric’s Remarkable Journey from Real Madrid to AC Milan

Before what would become his final season at Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho signed Luka Modric from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2012 for a fee of €30 million (£26 million/$35 million).

Modric joined an illustrious squad featuring stars such as Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, and Karim Benzema. He celebrated his first trophy with the club shortly after his arrival, making his debut in the second leg of the 2012 Spanish Super Cup against their arch-rivals Barcelona.

Despite the excitement, the 2012-13 season concluded disappointingly for Modric and Mourinho. Real Madrid finished second in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by 15 points, and suffered defeats in both the Spanish Cup final to Atletico Madrid and in the Champions League semi-finals against Borussia Dortmund, managed by Jurgen Klopp.

Over the next 12 seasons at Real Madrid, Modric achieved remarkable success, winning three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018 under Zinedine Zidane and adding another in 2022 and 2024 with Carlo Ancelotti. Additionally, he helped Croatia secure a bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup, guided by Zlatko Dalic.

When asked about the fiercest coach he has worked with, Modric cited Mourinho, expressing gratitude for his influence. In an interview with Corriere della Sera, he stated, “[Mourinho is] special. As a coach and as a person. He was the one who wanted me at Real Madrid. Without him, I would never have arrived. I’m sorry I only had him for one season.”

Modric further elaborated on Mourinho’s management style, relaying a moment when Mourinho made Cristiano Ronaldo upset for not tracking back during a match. “Mourinho is very direct with players, but he’s honest. He treated everyone the same way. Honesty is fundamental,” he noted.

After concluding a successful 13-year tenure at Real Madrid, Modric joined AC Milan on a free transfer, proving that age is merely a number as he continues to perform at a high level. He described his new manager, Massimiliano Allegri, as a “master” with an incredible personality, likening him to Ancelotti in terms of sensitivity and humor.

Modric is set to return to the pitch as Milan takes on Cagliari in an upcoming Serie A match, followed by fixtures against Genoa and Fiorentina.