Luka Modric has announced his intention to return to Real Madrid once he has ended his playing career.
The Croatia international is currently contracted to AC Milan until the middle of 2027, meaning his playing future is already set to extend beyond his 40th birthday. Modric turns 41 on 9 September next week.
“I want to return to Real,” Modric said, outlining his wish to go back to the Spanish club after retiring from football.
Modric spent 13 years with Real Madrid, playing for the club from 2012 until 2025. His time in Madrid ended before his move to AC Milan, where he is now continuing his professional career under a contract that runs until mid-2027.
The midfielder’s stated plan points to a return to Real Madrid in a role away from the pitch once his playing days are over. It does not alter his current commitment to AC Milan, with his existing deal keeping him at the Italian club for the next two seasons.
His proposed return would mark another chapter in his long association with Real Madrid. Modric joined the club in 2012 and remained there through to 2025, before beginning his spell with AC Milan.
For now, the focus remains on his playing career. Modric is due to turn 41 on 9 September, while his contract with AC Milan is scheduled to run until the middle of 2027. His comments instead provide an indication of where he would like his career in football to lead after he stops playing.
The prospect of returning to Real Madrid follows more than a decade at the club. Modric’s period with the Spanish side concluded in 2025, and his current agreement with AC Milan means his post-playing plans will come after his time with the “rossoneri” has ended.
The midfielder has therefore made clear that Real Madrid remains the destination he would like to revisit when his playing career is complete. Until then, he remains an AC Milan player, with his current contract in place until mid-2027.