Croatian legend Luka Modrić, former Real Madrid star and current first-team player for Italy's AC Milan, spoke about the period when he joined the White Club.
The Croatian Luka Modrić joined Real Madrid in late August 2012 in a deal that drew sharp criticism against Mourinho at the time, with the Spanish press describing it as the worst signing in the history of the Spanish club.
In an extended interview with the Spanish newspaper "Marca," Luka Modrić said: "A memory of my farewell from Real Madrid? I remember that day with immense pride, although it was never an easy day, as you saw in my photos before the match, on the bus, in the days leading up to the announcement of the decision, and on the pitch."
He added: "Although I held myself together well on the field and during my speech to the fans, those were days filled with overwhelming emotions because I knew that the most beautiful chapter of my football career was approaching its end. When you see images of people in the stands crying, and all those messages, you are overcome with a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that you have become part of Real Madrid's history."
On being the most decorated player in Real Madrid's history: "It is truly unbelievable; I never imagined anything like this. You join a club knowing you will compete for titles, and that is normal at a giant club like Real Madrid, but even in my dreams, I never expected to become the most decorated player in the club's history."
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He continued: "Not because I lacked self-confidence or thought I wouldn't succeed there, but how many players have played there? How many legends? How many symbols of Real Madrid, the very symbol of Real Madrid itself? To be the player who has won the most titles is unbelievable; I never imagined that."
He added: "Real Madrid taught me never to give up, to fight until the end, to always believe, and to give my absolute best. Although this is part of my personality, Real Madrid instills this in you even more; it plants it in your soul. I believe this is the most important advice I can offer."
He offered special thanks to Mourinho: "I believe Mourinho was the most important factor in my arrival at Real Madrid because he did everything; he did everything in his power to make me the signing of that summer."
He elaborated: "Real Madrid loaned Essien; negotiations with Tottenham were not easy but rather arduous and lengthy. Had it not been for Mourinho's intense persistence, Real Madrid might have withdrawn from the negotiations. However, he was determined and wanted me badly, which is why I believe he was the most crucial factor."
He continued: "But there is also the president, for whom I hold special affection and who truly gave me so much; I have great love for him. Everyone was important, but Mourinho was number one, and I will forever remain grateful for the way he treated me and the affection he showed me from my very first day."
He concluded: "The only downside is that I didn't train under Mourinho for more than a year, but that's okay; such is life. I learned a great deal during that year with him, but I wish I had trained under him for a longer period."