Modrić: Mourinho is the reason I came to Real Madrid, and Zidane has a special aura

AC Milan star and former Real Madrid player Luka Modrić admitted that Portuguese coach José Mourinho was the reason behind his move to Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur.

Modrić said in an interview: "Mourinho is the main reason I came to Real Madrid. If he hadn't been the coach, I wouldn't have come to Madrid. He wanted me and only me."

He added: "Real Madrid wanted to sign Silva, Mata, Cazorla... but Mourinho said, 'Either Luka or no one.' That made the difference. He could have said he would wait, but he didn't, and I am very grateful."

He continued: "The only regret I feel is that I couldn't work with him for a longer time."

About Zinedine Zidane: "We won three consecutive Champions League titles with him... His arrival in the locker room was amazing. We looked up to him like children. We talked to him and trained with him. As Ancelotti's assistant, he was reserved, but when he became the coach of Real Madrid, he was exceptional."

He continued: "Zidane has a special aura and understands football very well. He knew exactly what the team needed, recognized quality, had high standards, and managed many players because he trusted everyone. This was evident in his actions. That period with him was special."

He concluded: "Zidane used to play with us sometimes during training. He didn't run much, but his quality was amazing. He is honest and straightforward, just like Mourinho."