While he was courted in Europe, but also in Saudi Arabia, Luka Modric (38 years old) decided not to follow the path of Karim Benzema and preferred to stay at Real Madrid. After the extension of his midfield friend, Toni Kroos, the club from the Spanish capital announced last summer the contract extension for a 2018 Ballon d’Or season. However, if the German manages to keep his place in the Madrid midfield, it is much more complicated for the 38-year-old right-hander.
For what was to be his last season with Real Madrid, the Croatian had to ensure one last season as an experienced starter, before definitively handing over the keys to the truck to new recruits Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni or Jude Bellingham. But since the start of the season, everything has not gone as planned since the ex-Tottenham midfielder has only started twice this season, against Getafe in La Liga (2-1), then against Union Berlin, in the Champions League (1-0).
Carlo Ancelotti assures that Luka Modric will stay
A situation which caused a lot of noise in the Madrid press, as well as among the supporters. Faced with this, Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press. “I talk to him every day. He’s not happy, obviously, but he’s still very motivated. There’s no one like him in the locker room, he’s the leader. Its importance is maximum. I love him very much, we all love him”first admitted to the media this Friday.
Before ruling out a departure for the Croatian during the next transfer window, scheduled for winter 2024. “The fact that Modrić is not playing affects us all. It affects me, it affects his teammates and everyone who loves him. But his motivation has not changed. It is still very important (…) If Luka Modrić leaves in January? Absolutely not. He thinks he’s an important player and we think the same thing. He doesn’t want to leave and we are very happy because of that.”assured the Italian.