Harry Redknapp and Luka Modric share heartwarming reunion 14 years after Tottenham exit

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Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp reunited with Luka Modric ahead of AC Milan’s Europa League clash against Bournemouth on Thursday evening. The pair shared a warm moment before kick-off, bringing back memories of their four years together at Spurs.Redknapp and Modric enjoyed a successful spell together in north London, with the Croatian midfielder becoming one of Tottenham’s most important players. Their relationship has remained strong despite Modric leaving the club for Real Madrid in 2012.The 41-year-old returned to England with AC Milan this week as the Italian side travelled to the Vitality Stadium. Although Modric did not feature in the match, he did get the chance to catch up with his former manager.Photo by Alex Pantling – UEFA/UEFA via Getty ImagesHarry Redknapp and Luka Modric reunited at BournemouthRedknapp was at the Vitality Stadium for Bournemouth’s Europa League meeting with AC Milan on Thursday, with Modric among the visitors’ substitutes. The former Spurs manager was spotted speaking to the Croatian before the match, and both appeared delighted to see each other.A video of the reunion was shared by Stan Sport Football on social media, showing the pair enjoying a brief conversation. There was no audio of what they said, but it was a lovely moment for Tottenham supporters who remember their time together at White Hart Lane.Watch Harry Redknapp and Luka Modric’s reunionIt was not a particularly enjoyable evening for Modric otherwise, as Milan suffered a 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth. Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier both scored penalties before Amine Adli added a third, while Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was sent off in the first half.Modric watched the entire match from the bench, with Milan unable to find a way back into the contest. However, his meeting with Redknapp provided a happier moment before the game.Harry Redknapp helped bring the best out of Luka Modric at TottenhamModric joined Tottenham from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2008, just a few months before Redknapp replaced Juande Ramos as manager. The Croatian initially struggled to establish himself in his preferred position, but that soon changed under the Englishman.Redknapp moved Modric into central midfield, where his passing, vision and ability to control matches made him a key player for Spurs. The former Tottenham boss even had a simple instruction for his players when they were struggling to create chances.Modric previously revealed that Redknapp would sing ‘Give the ball to Luka’, such was his confidence in the midfielder’s ability to make something happen. It summed up just how highly he rated the Croatian during their time together.Modric went on to make 160 Premier League appearances under Redknapp before leaving Tottenham for Real Madrid in August 2012. His career reached even greater heights in Spain, where he won six Champions League titles, four La Liga titles and the Ballon d’Or in 2018.After 13 years at the Bernabeu, Modric joined AC Milan in 2025 and has continued playing at the age of 41. His achievements since leaving Spurs have only strengthened his reputation as one of the finest midfielders to have represented the club.Redknapp wanted Luka Modric to return to Tottenham in 2023Redknapp has never hidden his admiration for Modric, and he even suggested Tottenham should try to bring the midfielder back to north London in 2023. The Croatian was approaching the end of his Real Madrid contract at the time, although he eventually signed an extension.Speaking in March 2023, Redknapp said: “He never gave it away, what a great lad. I tell you what, is he out of contract at the end of the year?“I think they’re discussing whether they’re going to give him another deal. He’s 37, and I tell you what, you’d take him. Even if you were Liverpool. You’d take him back at Tottenham.“He’d come in and he’s so great around the place, and he plays every minute of every game, and he’s still a fantastic player. I loved him, he’s low maintenance, just lives for football.”That return never materialised, with Modric instead remaining at Real Madrid for another two seasons before moving to Italy. Nevertheless, Thursday’s reunion was another reminder of how fondly Redknapp remembers his former midfielder.Modric remains a hugely popular figure among Tottenham supporters despite leaving the club more than 14 years ago. It would certainly be some occasion if he ever returned to N17 to receive the reception his performances in a Spurs shirt deserve.READ MORE: Tottenham have three left-back alternatives for Chelsea – but none is straightforwardThe post Harry Redknapp and Luka Modric share heartwarming reunion 14 years after Tottenham exit appeared first on Spurs Web.