Cristiano Ronaldo Emotional Dressing Room Moment Under Jose Mourinho, Modric Reveals

Cristiano Ronaldo was once left in tears by Jose Mourinho in the Real Madrid dressing room, according to Luka Modric, who now plays for AC Milan. Modric described an emotional incident from their shared spell in Spain, while also reflecting on Mourinho’s demanding style and influence on Modric’s own career, and assessing Milan’s current pursuit of the Serie A title.

Modric spent only one season under Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu after leaving Tottenham in 2012, yet that year clearly stayed with the Croatia international. The midfielder said Mourinho pushed every player, including major stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, while applying the same standards to new signings and established figures across the squad.

During that period,

Cristiano Ronaldo was already closing in on Real Madrid’s scoring records, ultimately reaching 450 goals before joining Juventus in 2018. The relationship between Ronaldo and Mourinho was often described as tense, and Modric’s account supported that view, even though Modric also stressed deep respect for the coach’s methods and personality.

Explaining one specific flashpoint, Modric recalled a moment when Mourinho publicly challenged Cristiano Ronaldo’s defensive work. Modric told La Corriere della Sera: "I saw him make Cristiano Ronaldo cry in the locker room, a man who gives his all on the pitch, because for once he didn't chase the opposing full-back. " The midfielder said such scenes reflected Mourinho’s uncompromising way of dealing with players.

Modric described Mourinho as a coach who never avoided direct conversations, regardless of a player’s status. "Mourinho is very direct with the players, but he's honest. He treated Sergio Ramos and the new arrivals the same way: if he had to tell you something, he'd tell you. " Modric suggested that consistency helped Mourinho keep control of a dressing room containing figures like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Despite the emotional tension, Modric said Mourinho had a decisive impact on Modric’s own move to Spain. "[Mourinhois] specialas a coach and as a person. He was the one who wanted me at Real Madrid. Without Mourinho, I would never have arrived. I'm sorry I only had him for one season. " Mourinho is now in charge of Benfica after a spell at Fenerbahce, while Cristiano Ronaldo has continued playing elsewhere.

Since leaving Real Madrid, Modric has started a new chapter at AC Milan, where Cristiano Ronaldo has never played. Modric, now 40, has become a central figure in Massimiliano Allegri’s team, helping the Rossoneri climb to second place in Serie A. Milan sit just one point behind Inter, keeping alive hopes of a first league title in several seasons.

Finishing up the year with a big session Centro Sportivo Milanello powered by Clivet pic.twitter.com/a6CBmKdkOdAC Milan (@acmilan) December 31, 2025

AC Milan are one of only three teams in Europe’s top five leagues still unbeaten away from home in the 2025-26 season. That record has strengthened belief that Milan can claim just a second Scudetto in 15 campaigns, even if Cristiano Ronaldo is now competing in different surroundings and leagues.

Modric discussed expectations at San Siro, stressing how standards at Milan echo those once seen alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in Madrid. "At Milan, you always have to play to win. It's possible [to win the league this year], but there's a long way to go," said Modric. "Never say never. We have a lot of room for improvement, but the coach is doing a great job. Our goal must always be to aim for the top. In football, as in life, you should never dwell too much on the future. After every match, there's another. "

Modric’s reflections link two major phases of a long career, from Real Madrid with Cristiano Ronaldo and Mourinho to the present challenge at AC Milan. The midfielder highlighted Mourinho’s tough methods and honesty, while focusing now on maintaining Milan’s title push, one game at a time, in a Serie A race that still has many twists ahead.