Carlo Ancelotti has offered Luka Modric the opportunity to join his coaching staff at Real Madrid, should he decide to retire at the end of the season.
An offer was made from Ancelotti to Modric to join his backroom team around two months ago. Although the Croatia international was grateful for the chance, he initially turned it down.
Sources with knowledge of the situation, however, — speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships — say that it wasn’t a “definitive no,” suggesting Modric would still consider the proposal. At the same time, they are aware that the midfielder is still hungry to compete and that his priority is to continue playing.
Modrid, 38, is out of contract in the summer and has featured in 20 La Liga appearances so far in 2023-24.
As has been the case since the start of the season, the idea of renewal is the least likely scenario, although there is no definitive decision at this point.
The Athletic reported this month that Modric is yet to make a decision on his future, with sources close to the player saying they do not think he is in a rush to make a decision. His plan is to end the campaign well and then enjoy a successful European Championships with Croatia.
Ancelotti was asked about Modric’s future before Real’s victory against Getafe at the start of February.
He said: “As I have already said (on other occasions), Luka is a legend of football, of Real Madrid. The decisions for next season have to be taken by him.”
The offer to Modric is independent of the futures of assistant coach Davide Ancelotti and Francesco Mauri, who rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia in January. Both have affirmed their intentions to stay and remain fully committed to the current coaching set-up.
Last June, Modric signed a new one-year contract extension with Real. He had attracted interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, but opted to stay in Spain.
Modric made the move from Tottenham Hotspur to Real in the summer of 2012, and has amassed an impressive 516 appearances for the club since then.
During his time, he has secured an impressive collection of 23 trophies, including five Champions League titles, three La Liga’s, and five Club World Cups.
In addition to team achievements, the midfielder has earned numerous individual accolades since his arrival in Spain, notably claiming the Ballon d’Or in 2018.
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