Jose Mourinho Has Called Luka Modric About Incredible Tottenham Return
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Jose Mourinho has phoned Real Madrid star Luka Modric about returning to Tottenham in 2021, according to news reports in Spain.
The 35-year-old Ballon d'Or winner's contract with the Spanish champions end in June and, if he wishes, Modric can start negotiating with other clubs from January. The Croatian playmaker spent four years at Spurs before signing for Real in 2012 for £30 million.
Mourinho was manager of Real at that time so clearly knows all about Modric's strengths. And, according to Spanish media outlet El Chiringuito TV, Jose has contacted Modric directly to discuss a potential Tottenham return.
Jose Mourinho has personally called Luka Modric in a bid to sign him for Spurs
- The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) December 18, 2020
[@elchiringuitotv - Tier 3 ] #THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/9vO7mE0XoN
If he chose to return to north London, the midfielder would be following in the shoes of Gareth Bale who came back to Spurs - albeit on loan - after winning four Champions League titles while at Real Madrid.
Rafael van der Vaart, who played alongside Bale and Modric at Tottenham, joked that he was also willing to put the band back together.
"Guess I should get back in training to complete the return of the trio," tweeted the retired Dutch international.
"I did some gaining not so much training. Jose, you have my number, right?!"
Guess I should get back in training to complete the return of the trio:stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye: I did some gaining not so much training Jose, you have my number, right?! :calling: #Bale #Modric #andMe https://t.co/um5Vi7GarW pic.twitter.com/hMJ9pGVnRE
- Rafael van der Vaart (@rafvdvaart) December 18, 2020
Peter Crouch replied to Van der Vaart with: "Don't leave me out boys".
So clearly it's a full-on 2010/11 reunion and we can expect Mourinho to be ringing up Roman Pavlyuchenko, Wilson Palacios and Verdan Corluka in the coming days.
:pray:don't leave me out boys https://t.co/BIuCIsBBOm pic.twitter.com/C5w8bd4at1
- Peter Crouch (@petercrouch) December 18, 2020
Or, more realistically, the Tottenham boss just sees terrific value in Modric as a free transfer. While the Croatian is now in his mid-thirties he relies on his craft and guile rather than athleticism, so could well have a few good years in him yet.
He's started started all but four of Real's 19 matches this season and there's no indication that he is suddenly unwanted at the Bernabeu.
One reason for his departure in 2021, however, could be that Real tend to only offer 12-month contracts to veteran players. It's a policy which is apparently behind the stand-off regarding Sergio Ramos's contract (also set to expire in the summer).
He's a free agent at the end of the season correct? He's 35 but can still play at a very high level.
- :flag_ca:~Bobby P~:flag_hr: COYS!!!!! HABS!!!!!! Moonshiners (@BobbyPrica) December 18, 2020
Modric claimed that he was "too old to go back to Tottenham" when asked by FourFourTwo earlier this year. But we all know Mourinho can be incredibly persuasive when he wants to be.
Will we see the return of Modric scheming in the Spurs midfield in 2021? Or is a new destination more likely if he leaves Real Madrid? Let us know in the comments.
All imagery: PA Images
