Luka Modric Opens Up About the Real Madrid Departure That Left Him Devastated
Real Madrid icon Luka Modrić has opened up about how difficult it was to watch his Croatia teammate Mateo Kovačić depart Los Blancos for Chelsea in 2018, calling the midfielder "truly exceptional."
Modrić and Kovačić shared three campaigns together at Real Madrid between 2015 and 2018, capturing the Champions League title in each season they were teammates in the Spanish capital. However, Kovačić found himself in a supporting role during his tenure wearing the white jersey and ultimately chose to move on, a decision that deeply saddened Modrić.
"Watching him leave was painful for me because Mateo [Kovačić] holds a truly special place in my heart," Modrić shared on the Ne)uspjeh prvaka podcast. "During our time at Real [Madrid], he was, from my perspective, among the finest players, though he might not see it that way.
"Even when he wasn't always the central figure, he delivered exceptional performances and proved invaluable. He aspired to be the main star, to feature regularly like Toni [Kroos], Casemiro and myself did, yet he still produced magnificent football."
Kovačić departed on loan to Chelsea before the 2018–19 campaign. Following an impressive first season, the Blues secured his services permanently for £40 million (€45 million, $51 million) in summer 2019. The midfielder later transferred to Manchester City during summer 2023.
The Enduring Connection Between Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic
Although their club journeys diverged, both Modrić and Kovačić continued playing together internationally, becoming cornerstone players of Croatia's remarkable generation that reached the 2018 World Cup final in Russia, achieving the nation's greatest ever accomplishment. Four years afterward, Croatia almost repeated that feat, claiming third place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
"Right from the start," Modrić elaborated. "From his [Kovačić] first appearance with the national squad, we developed an extraordinary connection, a chemistry that endures today, even following his departure from Real Madrid.
"During our Real Madrid days, we grew even closer, but typically when someone moves on, relationships naturally drift apart. With him, our bond actually strengthened. It transcends mere friendship—it's also a connection through family relationships, which makes you deeply miss those teammates who departed at various points."
Kovačić secured his fourth career Champions League trophy while at Chelsea. Meanwhile, Modrić claimed two additional titles to reach six career Champions League victories, departing Real Madrid following the 2024–25 season as one of the club's all-time greats.
Their friendship endures strongly, demonstrated by Modrić reportedly dining with Kovačić at Man City's hotel after they competed against each other in the Champions League last March.
Ultimately, the achievements both players have accumulated throughout their careers are remarkable, and the duo will be remembered as two of Croatia's finest midfielders in history when all is concluded.