Luka Modric’s one-year experiment in Milan might be ending exactly where most people expected: back in Madrid. At least, that’s what Davor Suker is telling anyone who will listen.

Suker, the former Croatian striker who also wore the Real Madrid jersey, went on Radio MARCA on June 17 and declared that Modric will return to the Spanish capital after his contract with AC Milan expires at the end of the month. No ambiguity, no hedging. Just a former teammate making a very public prediction about one of Croatia’s greatest ever players.

What Suker actually said

Suker’s comments walked an interesting line between certainty and careful phrasing. On one hand, he reportedly used language like “he is definitely going to return” when discussing Modric’s relationship with Real Madrid. On the other, he acknowledged that nothing is official yet.

“Something is going to happen with Real Madrid, and I am sure he is going to do something with them.”

Neither Real Madrid nor Modric himself have commented on Suker’s assertions. AC Milan has also remained silent.

The AC Milan chapter

Modric joined AC Milan in the summer of 2025, signing a one-year deal reportedly worth around €3.5M net per season, with bonuses and an option for a 12-month extension. At 40 years old, it was always going to be a short-term arrangement.

Modric’s contract with Milan expires on June 30, 2026. That date aligns almost perfectly with the start of the 2026 World Cup, which many expect to be Modric’s final international tournament. Milan’s failure to qualify for the Champions League this season likely played a role in the calculus. For a player who won multiple Champions League titles during his 13-year run at the Bernabeu, spending his final competitive years outside of Europe’s premier club competition was never going to sit comfortably.

The Real Madrid connection

Suker’s own history with Real Madrid gives his comments a certain weight. He’s not a random pundit. He’s a former player who understands the club’s culture and maintains close ties with Croatian football circles. That said, Suker is also known for being outspoken. His confidence doesn’t automatically translate into confirmed plans. The gap between “I’m sure something is going to happen” and an official announcement remains significant.

For now, this remains firmly in the category of informed speculation from a credible source. Until Modric or Real Madrid make it official, the only confirmed fact is that his Milan deal runs out on June 30, 2026.