Luka Modric has said he hopes to return to Real Madrid in an official role after he retires, in an interview published on Thursday, 3 September 2026.
Modric, who turns 41 on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, joined AC Milan after leaving Real Madrid and said he had settled well in Italy, though his loyalty to the Spanish club had not shifted, as reported by Goal.com.
What did Modric say about a Real Madrid return?
On the prospect of going back, he said:
“I hope that happens. Real Madrid is my home and will always be so. I will always remain a Madridista for what I lived through there. Those were the best years of my professional and personal life. I hope to return one day, but we will see in what role. I am a person who likes to do his job well and to be useful. I would not return to Real Madrid just for my name, to be there without truly knowing what I am doing. I cannot do a job like that. If I return, I want to be useful, and important, and a key player in anything I do.”
What did Modric say about the Negreira case?
Modric was asked why Real Madrid won more Champions League titles than La Liga titles, and whether the Negreira case, a long-running Spanish football controversy over historic payments to a former refereeing official, was a factor.
He made no allegation of his own, and said:
“Of course this is not normal, but I do not follow this topic much. It is not normal, but I believe we also bear part of the responsibility for not winning more league titles.”
Ronaldo, Mourinho and the Real Madrid Modric left behind
On Cristiano Ronaldo reaching 1 000 career goals, Modric said:
“No, no. Cristiano is an amazing player; he is a phenomenon, a ferocious beast, and I have no doubt that he will achieve this number. Everything he has done, and everything he continues to do, and the way he competes, and gives his utmost match after match, is something that inspires admiration.”
Modric, whom Jose Mourinho signed for Real Madrid, welcomed his return:
“You can see from the first few matches that this is a different Real Madrid, a terrifying Real Madrid, and that is what I like. I believe appointing Mourinho was a very wise decision by the club, as he is the ideal choice for this position given the team and everything.”
How much longer will Modric play?
On retirement, Modric said:
“It seems there is a common idea that when one reaches a certain age, it is better to retire and step aside, but I do not see it that way as long as I feel content, because this is my life… I know the end is approaching, but I do not know whether it will be this year or next year.”
Whether a Madridista of his standing walks back through the door at the Bernabeu will only be settled once he stops playing, and Modric has set no date for that. A season in Milan comes first.
