In recent weeks, it has been rumoured that Jose Mourinho could be joined at Real Madrid by Luka Modric, whom he signed during his first spell in charge at the Bernabeu 14 years ago. Reports have claimed that the 40-year-old had intended to retire after the 2026 World Cup, and that opened the door for him to head back to the Spanish capital to take up a non-playing role.
Modric left Real Madrid last summer after he was not offered a new contract, and he dually joined AC Milan. He was one of the best players in Serie A during the 2025-26 season, although he was unable to guide the Rossoneri to Champions League qualification, and that had left his continuity in Milan in serious jeopardy.
After being eliminated from the World Cup with Croatia earlier this week, Modric has had time to mull over his next move, and it appeared he has made it. As per La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MD), the veteran midfielder has been convinced to remain as a Milan player for one more season, having been personally contacted by the club’s owner Gerry Cardinale and its new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Modric return would be pushed back if he stays at Milan
Real Madrid had hoped Modric would return to the club this summer to join Mourinho’s coaching staff, and they had presented an offer to him in the last few weeks. However, that proposal looks set to be knocked back, with the legendary midfielder ready to commit to continuing his playing career for one more season.
If Modric does stay at Milan as now expected, it would delay a return to Real Madrid. If Mourinho is still in charge next summer, there is a chance that he comes back then, although that would again depend on whether he decides to retire in 2027.
