In a stunning revelation, Luka Modric has disclosed that Jose Mourinho once delivered a dressing room tirade so intense it reduced the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo to tears during their time together at Real Madrid.
The Explosive Confrontation Revealed
Speaking to Italian publication Corriere della Sera, the Croatian midfield maestro recounted the incident, which stemmed from Ronaldo's failure to track an opposing full-back during a match. "I saw him make Cristiano Ronaldo cry in the locker room," Modric stated, painting a vivid picture of Mourinho's demanding management style. "A man who gives his all on the pitch, because for once he didn't chase the opposing full-back."
This clash occurred despite Ronaldo's phenomenal on-pitch output under Mourinho's stewardship. During their three-season spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Portuguese forward scored a staggering 168 goals in 164 appearances, playing a pivotal role in Mourinho's trophy haul of three titles across his first two years in charge.
A Fractured Relationship Behind the Scenes
Modric's anecdote sheds light on the notoriously strained relationship between player and manager off the pitch, which contrasted sharply with their professional success. The row is believed by Spanish journalist Guillem Balague to have occurred after a 2-0 win against Valencia in January 2013, where Mourinho was incensed by Ronaldo's defensive reluctance.
The confrontation reportedly escalated, with Ronaldo retorting: "After everything I've done for you, this is how you treat me? How dare you say that to me!" The rift became public in the months that followed, Mourinho's final season at the club, with Ronaldo dismissively stating his manager's future "doesn't matter to me" when questioned by press.
This marked a dramatic shift from their previous camaraderie, exemplified when Mourinho declared before the 2012 Ballon d'Or: "If Messi is the best on the planet, Ronaldo is the best in the universe!" After his departure, Mourinho pinpointed the tactical criticism as the core issue, suggesting Ronaldo "maybe he thinks he knows everything." He once famously said their relationship "did not exist."
Time Heals All Wounds
Interestingly, time appears to have mended the rift. Mourinho later reflected that coaching Ronaldo was the "highlight of my career," while Ronaldo himself placed the Portuguese tactician above even Sir Alex Ferguson, calling him the best manager he ever worked with.
Modric, who was signed by Mourinho for £33 million in 2013 and spent just one season under him before a trophy-laden decade mostly under Carlo Ancelotti, holds the 'Special One' in the highest regard. "Special. As a coach and as a person," Modric said, crediting Mourinho for his move to Madrid. He also described him as the "toughest" of his managers, praising his direct and honest approach with all players, from Sergio Ramos to new signings.
Modric also offered a personal perspective on the eternal Messi vs. Ronaldo debate, favouring his former teammate. "I'm closer to Cristiano... I assure you he's not just a great footballer; he's an incredible person," he said, highlighting Ronaldo's generosity and simple nature, while also acknowledging Messi's magnificence as a player.
