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Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has revealed which player’s exit hurt him the most – and it was not his long-time midfield partner Toni Kroos.
Modric admitted that Mateo Kovacic’s exit was particularly painful, as he had grown closer to his compatriot during their time together at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Real Madrid signed Kovacic from Inter Milan for €38 million ahead of the 2015/16 season. With Modric, Kroos, and Casemiro already in the team, Kovacic failed to become a regular in the first XI.
However, he delivered some important performances over the course of his three-year stint in the Spanish capital.
Cafu on Luka Modrić:
“At 40 years old, Modrić is making a difference at Milan. He made the right decision by continuing to play. We’re talking about a great champion. Milan made a fantastic move by bringing him in.
Luka is a player of immense class and experience, who will… pic.twitter.com/MLhMs9GU4h
— TheCroatian (@TheCroatian_) December 30, 2025
Kovacic scored three goals and provided eight assists in 109 games. His defence-piercing runs, goal contributions, and crisp passing came in handy as Madrid won three consecutive Champions Leagues and a LaLiga title.
At the time, Real Madrid had the most complete midfield unit in football. Following Kroos and Modric’s departures in back-to-back summer transfer windows, they are now left with a void.
According to reports, Real Madrid have identified two midfielders to solve their woes next summer.
Luka Modric Reveals Which Real Madrid Exit Hurt the Most
Luka Modric played far longer with Toni Kroos (10 seasons) and shared a special bond. They won it all together, forming one of the finest midfield pairings in world football.
After the German retired in 2024, Modric penned a heartfelt post. However, Mateo Kovacic’s exit was still one of the most difficult moments for the Croatian captain.
On the Neuspjeh prvaka podcast, Modric opened up about the most disappointing Real Madrid exit.
“It was hard for me when he left because Mateo [Kovacic] is someone truly special to me.
“In that period at Real [Madrid], he was, in my view, one of the best players, although he may disagree.
Modrić x Kovačić #UCL pic.twitter.com/bnwO45hgJX
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 29, 2023
“Even if he wasn’t the main protagonist the whole time, he played outstanding matches and was very important.
“He wanted to be the protagonist, to be on the pitch constantly, the way Toni [Kroos], Casemiro and I were, but he still played phenomenal football.”
He then shed light on the excellent relationship he shares with the Manchester City midfielder.
“From the moment he [Kovacic] came to the national team, we created an exceptional relationship, a chemistry that lasts to this day, even after he left Real Madrid,” Modric added.
“At Real Madrid, we became even closer, but often when someone leaves, paths naturally separate. With him, it became even stronger, actually.
“So it’s not just a friendship, but also a bond through family ties, and because of that, you miss all those players who left at certain moments.”
Real Madrid initially loaned Kovacic out to Chelsea before selling him permanently for €45 million in the summer of 2019. Modric and Kovacic played 45 games together at Real Madrid, combining for one goal.
