Modric wants to return to Real Madrid after playing career, but with one condition

Luka Modric has opened the door to a return to Real Madrid once his playing career ends, but on his own terms. In an interview with media outlet AS, the 40-year-old Croatian midfielder expressed unwavering attachment to the Madrid club, while ruling out the idea of a purely honorary return.

“I hope it will happen. Real Madrid is my home and always will be. I will always be a Madridista for everything I experienced there,” said the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, who will turn 41 on September 9. But Modric immediately qualified his remarks: “I would not return to Real Madrid simply for my reputation, without really knowing what I’m doing. If I come back, I want to be useful, important and play a key role, whatever my position.”

The Croatian wore the white shirt for thirteen seasons, winning 23 trophies including six UEFA Champions League titles, before leaving the Spanish capital just over a year ago to join AC Milan. He has since extended his contract with the Lombard club until June 2027, leaving open the question of a possible retirement at the end of that deadline.

His post-career future therefore remains dependent on two unknowns: his decision to hang up his boots in 2027 or continue beyond, and the nature of the role that president Florentino Pérez would be willing to give him within the Merengue organization.