Modric also expressed deep affection and gratitude towards club president Florentino Perez for his role in the move. Still, he maintained that Mourinho’s initial support and affection from day one meant everything to him.
Unfortunately for the pair, their time working together in Spain was ultimately short-lived. The 2012-13 campaign proved to be Mourinho’s final year at the Los Blancos helm. The manager departed after the team failed to secure a major trophy, falling short in the Champions League semi-finals.
“The only pity was that I didn’t play under him for more than a year,” Modric noted. “I learned a lot in that year with him, but I would have liked to play for him for a longer time.”