Luka Modric talks about special bond with Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho: ‘Would do anything for him’

Luka Modric has revealed the extraordinary role Jose Mourinho played in bringing him to Real Madrid, with the club icon insisting that the Portuguese manager's return to the Santiago Bernabeu can restore a fearsome edge to the team .

Modric, who left Real Madrid in 2025 and turns 41 next week, spoke at length to AS about Mourinho's appointment and his own memories of the Portuguese coach.

There is clearly still a strong bond between the pair, almost 15 years after Mourinho pushed Madrid to sign the midfielder from Tottenham Hotspur.

Speaking about the manager, he believes Real Madrid made the right call by bringing Mourinho back and has already noticed a change in the team.

"You can already see from the first few matches that this is a different Real Madrid, a fearsome Real Madrid.

"I think Mourinho's appointment was a very wise decision by the club, the best option for that position considering the team and everything.

"He knows the club, he's a winner, he has an incredible personality, and I have a special affection for him because he was the one who brought me here, which was the most important factor in my arrival. He told the club: "I want him or nobody else."

Mourinho's demand changed Modric's career

Mourinho requested Luka Modric's signing from Tottenham. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Modric explained that Mourinho's insistence was particularly important because negotiations with Tottenham were complicated.

"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 The way the negotiations unfolded, perhaps if it hadn't been for that, Real Madrid would have withdrawn from the deal because of all the back and forth.

"That's why I have so much affection and respect for him. My only regret is not having worked with him longer."

The former midfielder also mentioned what makes Mourinho special to him, stating

"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 we don't talk much, we sometimes exchange messages, but I always wish him the best.

"I think he's in the right place because he's at the best club in the world, and he's one of the best coaches in history."

Modric refuses to make Barcelona the focus

Modric was also asked whether Mourinho's return could put Barcelona under greater pressure, particularly after Barça's recent domestic success.

Modric refused to talk about the Negreira case. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

His response was typically Madrid-minded: the focus should remain on Real Madrid rather than its biggest rival.

"Real Madrid should never look at what others are doing, only at itself.

"Barcelona might be its biggest rival, but Real Madrid should be focused on its own game and let others worry about Real Madrid, not the other way around."

The former midfielder was less willing to engage in the debate surrounding refereeing and the Negreira case, although he acknowledged that the situation was not normal.

"It's a situation that really isn't normal. I'm not going to go into it any further because I don't like it."

Instead, Modric offered his explanation for why Madrid won six Champions Leagues during his career but fewer La Liga titles.

He felt the difference came partly from the mentality required by the two competitions, with Champions League mistakes immediately punished while league points could appear recoverable.

Modric also discussed Real Madrid's attacking stars, praising Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe while reserving particular affection for Jude Bellingham because of the Englishman's midfield role.

"They're phenomenal. I'm so glad Vinicius renewed his contract with the club; it wouldn't have been good if he hadn't, given everything he contributes.

Modric has backed Bellingham to become Real Madrid's leader. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

"Kylian is incredible: the ease with which he scores goals, his quickness and speed are spectacular. But the one I feel closest to is Jude, because he's a midfielder like me."

He also believes Bellingham has the qualities to become a leader at the Bernabéu.

"Yes, he can be a leader. The fans at the Bernabéu appreciate that he gives his all on the pitch; he gives it his absolute all. They value not just his talent, but his hard work.

"What he did at the World Cup and how he's started this year is incredible; I hope he carries on like this."

Meanwhile, Modric declined to pick a Ballon d'Or winner, saying the decision belongs to the voters.

But when asked about a possible return to Real Madrid after retirement, his answer was much more definitive.

"I hope it happens. Madrid is my home and always will be. I'll always be a Madridista because of everything I experienced there.

"They were the best years of my professional and personal life. I hope I can return one day, but we'll have to see in what capacity," he concluded.