AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric has confirmed that he wants to return to Real Madrid in the future after leaving the Spanish giants as a free agent in 2025.

The Croatian midfielder is now in his second season with AC Milan, but he still considers Madrid his home and hopes to return to the club one day.

“Real Madrid is my home and I’d like to come back one day,” Modric said.

Modric joined Real Madrid in 2012 after Mourinho pushed for his signing during the Portuguese manager’s first spell at the club. Mourinho recalled how difficult it was to negotiate with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy for the midfielder.

“Signing Modric in 2012? It was practically impossible to negotiate with Daniel Levy’s Tottenham.

“JAS would tell me, Done deal, Luka is coming to the airport, then 5 minutes later he’d say, Sorry, no deal, Levy changed his mind again.”

Mourinho explained that Real Madrid were determined to sign Modric because of his quality and versatility in midfield.

“We wanted him really bad, because he was at such a high level in every position in midfield.”

The manager also recalled the criticism he received after bringing Modric to Madrid, with some journalists questioning the transfer.

“You guys (journalists) attacked me for signing him for months, calling him the worst signing in Madrid history, and then he closed every mouth (laughs).”

ALSO READ

• Ballon d’Or 2026: Luka Modric makes stance clear on who wins award
• Transfer deadline: Chelsea, Barcelona confirm deals for Washington, Guille Fernandez

Modric went on to establish himself as one of Real Madrid’s greatest midfielders, making a major impact during his long spell at the club before eventually leaving in 2025.