Real Madrid legend Luka Modric offered coaching role as he nears retirement

Luka Modric, the iconic Real Madrid midfielder nearing the end of his playing career, has been offered a potential future within the club. According to reports, Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach, has extended an invitation to Modric to join the Real Madrid coaching staff once he hangs up his boots.

Despite turning down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr last summer and signing a new contract extension with Real, the 38-year-old maestro hasn’t made a final decision on his long-term future. The Athletic reports that Modric received the coaching offer two months ago but politely declined, emphasizing his desire to continue playing for now.

However, Modric hasn’t completely slammed the door shut on the coaching prospect. As Ancelotti himself emphasized before a recent game, “Luka is a legend of football, of Real Madrid. The decisions for next season have to be taken by him.”

Modric’s primary focus, for now, is enjoying his football and leading Croatia in the upcoming Euro 2024. After the tournament, he may revisit the decision regarding his future playing career and the potential coaching role offered by Real Madrid.

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Ancelotti’s current coaching staff includes his son Davide and Francesco Mauri, the latter having drawn interest from Saudi Arabia recently. If Modric accepts the offer, he’d be well-positioned to share his vast experience and knowledge with the next generation of Madrid players.

Modric’s journey with Real Madrid has been remarkable. Since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for £35 million, he’s become a club legend. Over a decade later, he has silenced initial criticisms and established himself as one of Real’s greatest ever players, boasting an impressive collection of 23 trophies and 516 appearances.

Whether Modric chooses to continue playing or embark on a coaching career, his contribution to Real Madrid and the sport of football remains undeniable. With the Euro 2024 approaching and a potential coaching role on the table, the curtain on Modric’s illustrious career hasn’t fully closed yet, leaving the football world eagerly awaiting his next chapter.