In an interview with the Croatian channel “Uspjeh Prvaka”, Modrić recalled his first day at Real Madrid, saying: “When I entered the dressing room, the biggest stars there were Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gonzalo Higuain, and Xabi Alonso. Cristiano was at the table receiving treatment and said to me: ‘Finally you arrived’.”
Modrić spoke about the pivotal role that José Mourinho played in completing the deal, explaining: “Mourinho is the person most responsible for my arrival at Real Madrid. If he wasn’t the coach, I probably wouldn’t have moved to Madrid. He wanted me and no one else.”
The Croatian star pointed out that Mourinho completely changed the course of the negotiations, adding: “Real Madrid wanted to sign David Silva, Juan Mata, and Santi Cazorla. But Mourinho said: either Luka or no one. And that made the difference.”
He added: “Mourinho could have said that he would wait (postpone the timing of the deal), but he didn’t, and I am very grateful to him. The only regret I have is that I didn’t work with him for longer.”
Modrić touched on the period he spent with French coach Zinedine Zidane, describing it as special, saying: “Three consecutive Champions League titles. His entry into the dressing room was amazing. We looked at him like children. We talked to him and trained under him. When he was Ancelotti’s assistant, he was reserved, but as a first coach he was amazing.”
He added: “Zidane has a special aura, and he knows football inside and out. He knew exactly what the team needed, he sees the quality, he asks for a lot, and he rotates a lot because he trusted everyone. It was an exceptional period.”
Modrić also praised Zidane’s level as a player, even during his coaching period, saying: “Sometimes he would participate with us in training. He wasn’t able to run much, but his quality was amazing. He is as frank and direct as Mourinho.”
At the end of his speech, Modrić revealed details of his departure from Tottenham and his move to Real Madrid, admitting that he did not expect it to happen.
The Croatian star said: “I enjoyed my time at Tottenham, but I wanted to take a bigger step. Chelsea wanted me.”
He continued: “At one point, the president (Daniel Levy) told me the only club I will allow you to leave for is Real Madrid. And regardless of my confidence in myself, it seemed distant and unattainable.”
He confirmed that Levy was insistent on his position, saying: “I asked him: What if Real Madrid doesn’t come? He replied: That’s the only club I will allow you to go to.”
Then he spoke about the moment when Real Madrid showed interest in signing him, saying: “Before the Euro, they called me and told me that Real Madrid wanted me. I was stunned. Moving there was never easy. The negotiations were difficult and long.”
He added: “Everyone knows how I acted at that time. It was difficult to take that step, but I kept my word, and the word for me is law.”
Modrić concluded his speech by saying: “I understand negotiations and agreements, but they were exhausting. And that’s why I decided to take that step, because at that moment I was ready to stop playing if necessary.”
