Modric denies talks of Mourinho reunion at Real Madrid: ‘I wish him the best’

Luka 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.”