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Jose Mourinho, the self-anointed Special One, was at Real Madrid for three seasons from 2010 to 2013.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Jose Mourinho (AFP Photo)
Jose Mourinho is counted among one of the finest managers in football history, having been at the helm of some of the biggest European clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Chelsea FC, among others. Midfielder Luka Modric had the opportunity to work with Mourinho during his time at Real Madrid, and he has shed some light on the management style of the Portuguese, who once reduced the iconic Cristiano Ronaldo to tears.
Speaking to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Modric said Mourinho isn’t someone who treats seniors and juniors differently and would never shy away from speaking his mind.
“I saw him make Cristiano Ronaldo cry in the locker room, a man who gives his all on the pitch, because for once he didn’t chase the opposing full-back,” Modric was quoted as saying.
Modric was signed by Real Madrid during Mourinho’s reign, and he spent eight seasons with them, winning a truckload of trophies before joining current club AC Milan.
“Mourinho is very direct with the players, but he’s honest,” Modric said. “He treated Sergio Ramos and the new arrival the same way: if he had to tell you something, he’d tell you. Max is like that too: he tells you to your face what’s right and what’s wrong. Honesty is fundamental.”
Modric is grateful to Mourinho for bringing him to Real Madrid and feels sorry for having spent just one season with him.
“As a coach and as a person. He was the one who wanted me at Real Madrid. Without Mourinho, I would never have arrived. I’m sorry I only had him for one season,” he said.
Ronaldo Eyes 1000 Goals
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has set his sights on reaching 1000 career goals before calling time on his playing career.
“My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn’t matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going,” Ronaldo said.
“You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number (1,000 goals) that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries,” he added.
Ronaldo also revealed he’s thought about retirement and admits it won’t be easy to bid goodbye. “I think I will be prepared. It will be tough, of course. I will probably cry,” he said.
January 01, 2026, 11:40 IST
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