Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has been tipped to return to the club this summer, once his participation in the 2026 World Cup is over. The 40-year-old midfielder is uncertain on his future, after strong first season at AC Milan in Serie A, where he is yet to sign a new deal.
Following the arrival of Jose Mourinho, multiple reports have claimed that he wants to bring in a former player as a liaison with the dressing room, following a tense season at the Santiago Bernabeu. Modric is one of the names that has been mentioned, but Pepe and Sami Khedira have also been cited as potential additions to Mourinho’s staff.
Modric weighing up retirement after World Cup
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According to Diario AS, ‘everything indicates’ that Modric will retire after the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer. He has received a number of offers, including the chance to renew with Milan, but is yet to be enthused by any of them. The Rossoneri narrowly missed out on the Champions League at the end of the season too, which may not have helped, and people close to Modric have advised him to hang up his boots.
Davor Suker: ‘He’ll return to Real Madrid no doubt’
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The Madrid-based daily go on to report that a return to the Bernabeu would be an option for Modric, although it is yet to be discussed. Speaking to RadioMarca, Croatia legend Davor Suker, who is close to Modric’s camp, added further fuel to the fire.
“Now they’re asking me where he’s going to stay, either in Milan or in Madrid… I think something’s going to happen with Real Madrid. He’ll definitely be back, but I don’t know how… Let’s wait until after the World Cup and see what happens.”
Certainly there are few figures that could come in at Real Madrid that would inspire as much respect in the dressing room. A number of the current squad have played with the Croatian, but most will have grown up watching him have success in the Champions League.