Luka Modric says he intends to return to Real Madrid one day, but only if he can make a meaningful contribution to the club.
The Croatia midfielder ended his 13-year association with Real Madrid in the summer of 2025, leaving at the age of 39 when his contract expired. During his time in the Spanish capital, Modric established himself as one of the club’s greatest players and departed with legendary status.
Now 40 and due to turn 41 next week, Modric is continuing his career at AC Milan. He is aiming to help the Italian side challenge for the league title under manager Ruben Amorim.
In an interview with Marca, Modric was asked about Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho and whether he could imagine returning to the Spanish capital during the later stages of his career.
“Wherever he is, I always wish him the best. When I was in other teams, I always followed him and I was always happy when I had good results. I think the club has made a lot of success with his signing, with his arrival, because he is a winner, a great winner, and he knows the house. Know what it takes to win. And I hope they have a successful season with him. It’s something I always wish for Madrid and for him above all.”
Modric then made clear that he would welcome the opportunity to work for Real Madrid again, although he stressed that any return would need to have a clear purpose.
“Hopefully. I would like to. If I’m honest, I don’t have to hide it. Madrid is my home and of course one day I would like to return. But we are going to see how and in what role, if that happens. I don’t want to come back just to come back and be there for the sake of being there. I’m not like that. I want to be useful, I want to help Madrid. Not being there and not knowing why I am.
“As Mourinho said recently, we have to work for Real Madrid, to help them in any way, to make them bigger and bigger. Only then would I like to return. But let’s see. It’s my home, I’m a Madridista now and I always will be. If I’m honest, of course I’d like to. But let’s see what life brings you, you never know. My intention is to go back to Madrid and live there, but then you know how things happen. You can never say anything for sure. But hopefully, hopefully it will happen.”
Modric, who won the Ballon d’Or during his Real Madrid career, said he believes he could have “one more” season left before retiring from professional football.
Any eventual return to Real Madrid would therefore be more likely to involve a position away from the pitch. Modric hopes his experience could help support the club’s next generation of players, while also contributing to the continued success of the side he considers home.