Modric opens the door to a Real Madrid return: "It would be a dream"

Luka Modric faced the media after Croatia's 2-1 defeat against Spain in the Nations League and left several headlines about his future. The 39-year-old midfielder spoke openly about his possible retirement, about a hypothetical return to Real Madrid in a technical role and about the controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo with the Portuguese national team.

• Modric describes Real Madrid as "his home" and admits he would love to work there in the future.
• On retirement, he says he still has passion and ambition, and that he will decide by listening to his body.
• He believes Croatia did not deserve to lose against Spain and regrets the team's lack of finishing.
• He calls for a grand farewell for Cristiano Ronaldo with Portugal.
• He shared his view on Mourinho and trusts Real Madrid to turn their situation around.

Croatia's painful defeat against Spain

The Croatian captain was self-critical, but also defended his team's performance. In his view, Croatia were the better side for long stretches, especially in the first half, when they could have gone into the break with a two-goal lead. Their lack of cutting edge in front of goal proved costly against a team that was crowned European champion.

We didn't take the chances we had and against teams like Spain that punishes you, because they need very little to hurt you.

Modric also referenced the heavy defeat suffered days earlier against England and highlighted Croatia's ability to react. Despite the result, he believes his team showed character, energy and the right attitude against a top-level opponent. He even suggested that with a full complement of players on the pitch the outcome would have been different, alluding to the circumstances that marked the closing stages of the match.

What Modric says about his retirement

At 39, the midfielder still refuses to set a deadline. He admits he remains willing to compete and that his body calls the shots. He does not want to rush into a final decision and prefers to take it game by game, without committing to a specific timeline.

I still have the passion, the ambition and the strength. And as long as I feel that way, I want to keep playing.

The Croatian says he could extend his career for months or even a couple of years, but he does not want to give an answer he might later regret. His plan is to read the signs from his body and decide calmly when to hang up his boots.

A possible return to Real Madrid

Modric makes no secret of the bond he keeps with the Spanish club, where he spent thirteen seasons and won some of the biggest trophies of his career. Asked about the possibility of coming back in the future to work within the club, the Croatian was open to the idea and offered a quote that feeds hopes of a reunion.

Real Madrid is my home, the club of my life, I was there for 13 years. We will see what happens in the future. Of course I would like to work for Madrid, but I also need to prepare myself.

The midfielder believes several things must fall into place for a return and that nothing should be forced. He would only consider going back if he feels useful and truly ready to contribute to the club. For now, however, his focus remains on the present and he does not want to get ahead of himself.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal farewell

When it came to Cristiano Ronaldo's situation with the Portuguese national team, Modric was cautious. He admits he has not spoken to him and does not know the details of what happened, but he regrets that his former Real Madrid teammate is going through such a turbulent moment in his country. For the Croatian, the forward deserves a different ending with Portugal.

Cristiano is Portugal's greatest ever player and he deserves another farewell.

His message to Mourinho and Real Madrid's current form

Modric revealed that he spoke with José Mourinho at the start of the season to wish him luck in his new project. The Portuguese manager, according to the Croatian, is at a club that matches his standing. Despite the distance, the midfielder continues to follow European football closely and stays in touch with several players.

When it comes to Real Madrid, Modric sent a message of confidence. He believes the squad has the quality and character to overcome any rough patch, and that the season is long enough for the team to finish strongly. He wished his former coach and former teammates the best in their bid to turn things around.