Luka Modric: “Zidane could be the Ferguson of Real Madrid”

Luka Modric sat down for a lengthy interview with El Partidazo de Cope radio and discussed a wide variety of topics from Rafael Benitez to Vinicius Junior.

Gareth Bale

“I have been with Bale here a long time. He’s a spectacular, shy guy. The press are judging him for his recent years, but you have to remember him for everything he has given. He has not had any problems in the locker room. He spoke Spanish with us.”

“People quickly forget what Bale has done. Gareth didn’t socialize much, but in the locker room he was fine. I’m sorry many forgot what he has done.”

Coaches at Madrid - Mourinho, Ancelotti, Benitez, Zidane

“Mourinho was key in my signing for Madrid. I am sorry I only worked with him for a year. I will always be grateful to Mourinho for taking me to Real Madrid. He is tough and strong, but he is honest and always tells the truth to your face”

“Ancelotti is a spectacular coach. And even more as a person. We played very well with him. We had two specacular years with him, winning the Champions and the Copa, playing great football. I still talk to him from time to time.”

“Benitez hasn’t done well at Madrid but he’s a great coach. That’s football. Not every football coach arrives to a team and has success. I did not have any problem with him. The outside of the boot thing was something that happened in a training session, but it was nothing, we didn’t get on poorly.”

“Zizou is a top manager. What he has done with us these years is unrepeatable. It gives me the feeling that people do not appreciate him as a coach, he is always questioned. He’s one of the best! I wish that all of the world saw him as untouchable at Madrid.”

“When you listen on TV or to the radio there are complaints and criticisms of Zidane. There are some criticisms that don’t even make sense. He’s a spectacular coach. The way he fits us is like a glove. He is ideal for Real Madrid. Zidane could be like Ferguson or Wenger in England.”

Retiring at Real Madrid

“Sure, of course I would like to stay at Real Madrid. It’s not just up to me. I think I still have football to give. I feel like I could play at this level for a couple more years. It also depends on the club and coach, if they see me as important. My wish is to finish the race here, but I also don’t want to be a problem.”

“Despite being 35 years old, I feel very good, I feel strong, and I think I can continue at this level. I want to renew, and if possible, finish my career at Madrid.”

“Madrid and I have a good relationship. I am sure that we will reach an agreement - either to continue and go ahead or go somewhere else. Madrid is my home, it is my 9th season and I’m very happy here. We’ll see what happens. I haven’t talked to the president yet.”

“My family and I love Madrid. We would like to live here after my career. If I have to decide, Madrid!”

Eden Hazard and Vinicius JR

“It’s not a comfortable situation for Hazard. He’s amazing, he’s going to prove it. Only injuries can prevent him going forward. When he’s been well, he’s shown he’s important, it’s a shame. We need him.”

“Hazard is one of the best in the world, he is incredible, and I am sure he will show it this year if injuries do not prevent it. Last season he already showed that he was important until injuries stopped him. It goes to show why Madrid paid so much for him.”

“In training Vini scores a lot of goals. He’s got enormous talent, he just has to work. He scored a goal the other day. He doesn’t have to look at anyone, not Ansu, or anyone — he just has to get better at his thing. He has an impressive talent.”