Key moments shaping Modrić's Real Madrid move
Luka Modrić, the Croatian star, reveals a pivotal truth behind his career: his move to Real Madrid wouldn’t have happened without Jose Mourinho’s persistence in signing him, alongside emotional memories from his first day in the club’s locker room.
In an interview with the Croatian channel Uspjeh Prvaka, the Croatian star recalled his first day inside Real Madrid, saying: "When I entered the locker room, the biggest stars were Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuaín, and Xabi Alonso. Cristiano was on the table receiving treatment and told me: 'Finally you arrived'."
Then Modrić spoke about the decisive role of Mourinho in the deal: "Mourinho is the person most responsible for my arrival at Real Madrid. If he hadn’t been the coach, perhaps I wouldn’t have moved to Madrid. He wanted me and did not want anyone else."
Madrid originally wanted David Silva, Juan Mata, and Santi Cazorla. But Mourinho said: "Either Luka or no one." And that made the difference.
He added: "Madrid could have delayed the deal, but they didn’t, and I am very grateful. The only regret I carry is that I didn’t work with him longer."
Modrić then described Zidane’s period as exceptional: "Three consecutive Champions League titles. His entering the locker room was astonishing. We looked at him like kids. We spoke with him and trained under him. When he was an assistant to Ancelotti he was reserved, but as head coach he was amazing."
He continued: "Zidane has a special aura; he knows football inside out. He knew exactly what the team needed, saw the quality, demanded a lot, and rotated a lot because he trusted everyone. It was an exceptional period."
Modrić also highlighted Zidane’s quality as a player despite his coaching role: "Sometimes he joined us in training. He couldn’t run much, but his quality was amazing. He is frank and direct, like Mourinho."
Towards the end, Modrić discussed the behind‑the‑scenes of his departure from Tottenham and move to Real Madrid, revealing he didn’t think it would be possible.
"I enjoyed my time at Tottenham, but I wanted to take a bigger step. Chelsea wanted me."
He added: "At one moment the president, Daniel Levy, told me the only club I would be allowed to leave for is Real Madrid. Despite my confidence, it seemed distant and unachievable."
Then he described the moment Real Madrid actually appeared on the scene: "Before the Euro, they called me and told me Real Madrid wanted me. I was stunned. Moving there wasn’t easy. Negotiations were long and tough."
He continued: "Everyone knows how I acted at that time. It was hard to take that step, but I stood by my word, and a word is a law for me."
Modrić concluded: "I understand negotiations and agreements, but they were exhausting. That’s why I chose that step, because at that moment I was ready to stop playing if necessary."
Verdicts on the era: Mourinho and Zidane left their mark
Reflecting on the two guiding figures, Modrić emphasized how Mourinho set the course and how Zidane elevated the squad. The narratives of those days remain a badge of Madrid’s golden era and of a player who reached the pinnacle through a mix of stubborn pursuit and team trust.
As the interview closes, the sense remains: the journey to Real Madrid was as much about timing and character as it was about talent, with two coaches whose methods and charisma helped sculpt a Champions League legacy.
Punchline time: If transfers had a GPS, Mourinho would’ve recalculated the route to Real Madrid every 30 seconds—and Modrić would still arrive on time. Punchline two: Zidane’s aura? Even the locker room asked for an autograph.
