"Madrid is my home and, of course, I would love to return one day. But we will have to see how and in what capacity, if it happens. I don't want to go back just for the sake of being there. That is not who I am. I want to be useful and help Madrid," explained Modrić, making it clear any potential return would come after hanging up his boots.

With Jose Mourinho now embarking on his second stint at Real Madrid, the Croatian maestro reflected warmly on the decisive role the Portuguese played in bringing him to the Spanish capital: "If he hadn't been so persistent, Madrid might have walked away from negotiations for me. But he pushed relentlessly because he truly wanted me."

"The only shame is that I only worked under him for one year. But that is football. I learned an enormous amount during that season with him, though I would have loved to play under him for longer. Wherever he goes, I always wish him the best. I hope they enjoy a successful campaign with him. That is something I always wish for Madrid, and especially for him," he added.

Now 40, the Milan playmaker insisted he still has plenty left to offer at the highest level: "Age is just a number to me, but people seem obsessed with it. It feels as though turning a year older means you should be written off, but that's not the case. It doesn't affect or upset me, it's just tiring to hear every day. In fact, it fuels my desire to prove them wrong and show what can still be achieved at this stage of my career."

Luka Modrić

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