Modric denies talks of Mourinho reunion at Real Madrid: 'I wish him the best'
Quick summary
Luka Modric has dismissed speculation linking him with a return to Real Madrid, where José Mourinho is now head coach, saying he wishes Mourinho the best but denying any active talks.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceLuka Modric is into the final few days of his contract with Milan, and despite reports linking him with a return to his beloved Real Madrid this summer, the Croatian has denied having any contact with Jose Mourinho over a reunion at the Bernabeu.
Ageless Modric shuts down Mourinho rumours Modric continues to defy his age, becoming the oldest player ever to provide an assist at the World Cup , setting up the winner for Torino’s Nikola Vlasic at 40 years old during Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana in Group L on Saturday night.
The result means that Modric and Croatia progress to the round of 32 as the second-placed team in Group L. They will go on to face a Portugal squad featuring Rafael Leao and Francisco Conceicao on Friday evening.
Things are less certain for Modric at club level. The former Ballon d’Or winner joined Milan on a one-year contract last summer with an option to extend for a further 12 months, but he has since dropped several hints that his time in San Siro is coming to an end.
While several sides across the world are interested in a potential deal for Modric should he become available, there is also a growing possibility that he decides to hang up his boots after the 2026 World Cup amidst reports that he could potentially return to Madrid in either a coaching or directorship role.
Despite these rumours, Modric insists that he has not spoken to Mourinho about a return to Madrid.
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 03: Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho talks to his Real Madrid players during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between Real Madrid and Galatasaray at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 3, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) “I know I’m at an age where the end of my career is getting closer and closer,” Modric admitted in an interview after full-time against Ghana (via TMW ).
And when asked about his relationship with Mourinho and his appointment as Real Madrid head coach, Modric said: “He hasn’t called me. I wish him the best, he’s a special coach, one of the best. I have a lot of affection for him.”
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What happened
Rumours had circulated about a potential reunion between Luka Modric and José Mourinho at Real Madrid, where Mourinho recently took charge. The AC Milan midfielder, who spent a decade at Real Madrid and won multiple Champions League titles, addressed the speculation directly and downplayed it. Modric expressed respect for Mourinho but indicated there are no concrete discussions about a transfer. His current focus appears to remain with AC Milan, where he joined in 2024.
Chance analysis
This is a player-driven denial of transfer speculation rather than a confirmed move. With Modric now 39 and at AC Milan, a Real Madrid return would be more sentimental than sporting. The fact that Modric is publicly shutting down the rumours suggests no imminent transfer activity, keeping his availability stable for AC Milan's upcoming fixtures. For prediction systems, this is noise unless the underlying rumour had moved market expectations.
No expected change to Modric's availability or AC Milan's squad; speculation dismissed by the player himself.
Modric is expected to remain at AC Milan; treat any Real Madrid transfer links as speculative noise unless confirmed.