Modric Reflects on Coaches, Teammates, and Milan Move

Luka Modric, the Croatian midfielder renowned for his 13-year tenure at Real Madrid, has opened up about pivotal moments in his career, from intense coaching relationships to lasting friendships with teammates, while embracing his new chapter at AC Milan.

In a recent interview, Modric reflected on his arrival at Real Madrid in 2012, crediting former coach Jose Mourinho for bringing him from Tottenham Hotspur. He expressed regret over having only one season under Mourinho, describing the Portuguese manager as direct and honest in his dealings with players, regardless of their status. "He treated Sergio Ramos and a newcomer the same way," Modric said. "If he had to tell you something, he told you." Modric recounted a striking incident from that time, when Mourinho reprimanded Cristiano Ronaldo so sharply in the locker room that the forward, known for his relentless effort on the pitch, was left in tears. The rebuke stemmed from Ronaldo's failure to track back against an opposing fullback during a match, underscoring Mourinho's authority even over the club's star player, who had already claimed a Ballon d'Or.

Despite the praise for Mourinho, whom Modric called "special" as both a...