Modric talks Real Madrid transfer, Mourinho, Zidane, Ronaldo: ‘That period with him was special’ | OneFootball

At 40 years of age, Luka Modric continues to be a regular starter for a top European club in AC Milan. His numbers, needless to say, show that he has no signs of slowing down.

While he has comfortably settled into his new club in Italy now, Modric had an emotional summer as he bid adieu to Real Madrid after the FIFA Club World Cup. 

The event, and Real Madrid’s defeat to PSG, marked the end of his spell at the club and the end of an era in its history.

Modric talks about his Real Madrid beginnings

Speaking in a recent interview with (Ne)Uspjeh Prvaka, the Real Madrid legend reminisced about his first day at the club and how it felt walking into the dressing room.

“When I entered the locker room, the biggest of the biggest were there. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuain, Xabi Alonso. Cristiano was on the table, getting a massage and said to me ‘You’ve finally arrived’.”

He then revealed the one person who played the biggest role in completing his signing for Real Madrid.

“Mourinho is the person who is most responsible for my arrival at Real Madrid. If he hadn’t been the coach, I might never have come to Madrid. He wanted me and no one else,” he said.

Elaborating on the role the ‘Special One’ played in his arrival, Modric said,

“They [Real Madrid] wanted Silva, Mata, Cazorla. Mourinho said – Either Luka or no one. That made the difference.”

“He could have said he’d wait, but he didn’t, and I am extremely grateful. The only regret I have is that I couldn’t work longer with him,” he added on the respect he has for Mourinho.

Modric then spoke about another legendary manager he worked with at the club – Zinedine Zidane – and all that he learnt from the club legend.

“Three Champions Leagues in a row. His arrival in the locker room was incredible. We looked at him like kids. We talked to him, trained with him. As Ancelotti’s assistant, he was reserved, but as head coach, phenomenal.”

“He has a special aura, knows football inside out. He knew exactly what the team needed, saw the quality, had demands, and rotated a lot because he trusted everyone. That was evident in his actions. That period with him was special,” he added.

One of the greatest ever. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Modric then revealed how Zidane had immense quality as a player even when he was coaching the team.

“Sometimes he would play with us in training. He couldn’t run much, but his quality was unbelievable. He’s honest and direct like Mourinho.”

The final topic of conversation was Modric’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur and transfer to Real Madrid and how the player never believed it was possible.

“I enjoyed Tottenham but I wanted to make the next step. Chelsea wanted me,” he began.

“At one point he [Daniel Levy] said: ‘The only club I’ll let you go to is Real Madrid.’ No matter how much I believed in myself, it sounded unreachable and far away,” Modric added.

He then spoke on how the former Chairman of the Premier League club meant what he said.

“I said: ‘What if Real Madrid don’t come?’ He replied: ‘That’s the only club I’ll let you go to.'”

He then remembered how Real Madrid did indeed appear on the horizon as an option and how he went to great lengths to ensure the move went through.

“Before the Euro, they called me saying Real Madrid wanted me. I was stunned. Moving there was anything but easy. Negotiations were difficult and long.”

“Everyone knows how I behaved at that time. It was hard to make that step, but I trusted my word, and my word is law for me,” he added.

“I understand negotiations and agreements, but it was exhausting. That’s why I decided to take that step, because at that moment, I was ready not to play anymore if needed,” he concluded.