Luka Modrić has opened up about his post-playing future, revealing a deep-seated attachment to the Spanish capital and a career that transformed him into the most decorated player in Real Madrid history. In a wide-ranging interview with the Spanish sports daily Marca, reported by outlets including Nacional and Jutarnji list, the legendary Croatian midfielder detailed his family’s ties to Madrid, his emotional departure from the Santiago Bernabéu, and his ongoing journey with AC Milan.
Family Roots and the Pull of Madrid
While Modrić continues his playing career in Italy with AC Milan, where reports indicate he plans to play for another year before hanging up his boots, his household’s emotional compass remains pointed toward Spain. According to the interview conducted by journalist Juan Ignacio García-Ochoa, Modrić reflected on how difficult his family’s relocation was after a glittering era in Madrid.
“My first son was born while we were in England and he was two years old when we arrived, but he remembers his entire childhood in Madrid,” Modrić told Marca, as noted by Nacional. “Now he is 16 years old. When I talk to them, when we are on vacation or wherever, they ask: ‘When are we going home?’ And they mean Madrid. That is why it was so difficult for them, and for me, too. But that’s life, it’s part of life and you have to move on.”
Reflecting on a Historic Tenure at Real Madrid
Modrić departed Real Madrid a year ago following a historic chapter that saw him capture an unmatched collection of silverware. Becoming the most decorated player in the club’s storied history surpassed even his own childhood aspirations.
“It’s incredible, really. I never imagined anything like it,” Modrić said in the interview, published across Croatian media. “You come to a club where you know you will fight for titles and that is normal in such a big club, but even in my wildest dreams I didn’t expect to become the player with the most titles in the history of the club.”
Recalling his farewell, the midfielder admitted that the days leading up to his exit were heavy with emotion. Seeing supporters crying in the stands and receiving farewell messages reinforced the magnitude of his impact at the Santiago Bernabéu, a stadium he noted “frightens many opponents.” Asked what the club taught him beyond the trophies and Champions League triumphs, Modrić emphasized resilience: “It taught me never to give up, to fight to the end, to believe, to always give my best.”
Life in Milan and the Drive to Compete
Addressing his current chapter with AC Milan, Modrić stressed that his competitive fire remains undiminished. He noted that the heavy demands and persistent pressure at Milan—mirroring the uncompromising standards he faced in Spain—are precisely what keep him performing at his peak.
“Football is my life,” Modrić said, highlighting that his love for the sport and desire to compete continue to drive him at the highest level. After more than a decade of orchestrating midfields at the elite tier of European football, the veteran playmaker continues to draw motivation from high-stakes environments where complacency has no place.
Looking Ahead
Modrić is expected to continue his campaign with AC Milan through the remainder of the season before making a definitive decision on his retirement. Fans and followers can track his ongoing performances and official club updates through Serie A fixtures and AC Milan’s official matchday announcements.
