Luka Modric’s current contract with Real Madrid is set to expire at the end of the season, but the midfielder has expressed his desire to remain with the club
Luka Modric has restated his loyalty to Real Madrid amid reports linking him to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
The Croatian midfielder, who is in his 11th season at the Santiago Bernabeu, has won 22 trophies during his time there, but his current contract expires at the end of the season.
Al Nassr has been mentioned as a potential destination for the 37-year-old, with the club having previously signed Cristiano Ronaldo in December after his departure from Manchester United.
“My wish is known: to stay at Real Madrid,” he said at a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Wales. “I believe and hope that it comes true.
“The rest of what’s said is just assumptions and rumors. I repeat the same thing for the hundredth time: I hope and believe that I will stay at Real Madrid.”
Madrid didn’t ask Modric to retire from Croatia national team
Modric dismissed reports suggesting that Real Madrid has asked him to retire from the Croatian national team. He has previously mentioned that he wants to earn a new deal with the club.
“Short and clear – no,” Modric said when that suggestion was put to him.
Modric decided not to retire from international football after Croatia’s World Cup semi-final loss to France. As a result, he will become the oldest player in Croatia’s history, surpassing Drazen Ladic.
“I didn’t know that before the conference and I don’t know if it’s good or bad!” Modric said. “I feel great with the national team and I’m glad to be here.
“We are all focusing on the Wales game. Hopefully we can get a positive result and take that confidence to Turkey.
“The most important thing is that we win tomorrow. We know we are the favorites and are expected to win, but football is unpredictable and you need to be at 100 per cent.”
