Modric: five reasons why he has decided to stay at Real Madrid
AS presents the five main reasons why Luka Modric has decided to end his career at the Santiago Bernabéu.
In what has been a radical change of heart since the summer, when Inter Milan tried to tempt him away from the Bernabéu with a mouth-watering offer to move to Serie A, Luka Modric has now decided he wants to finish his career at Real Madrid. Here, AS presents the five main reasons behind his decision to end his playing days at the club, who have set the wheels in motion to extend the 33-year-old’s contract beyond 2020.
Ballon d’Or
The Croatian midfielder realised the enormous impact that playing at Real Madrid had on his resounding Ballon d’Or victory in December. His nomination for the award can mainly be attributed to his impressive performance at the World Cup, in which he led Croatia to the final. But Modric is well aware that the media exposure and focus he received in Russia was the result of him being one of the leaders of the Madrid side that has won three consecutive Champions League titles.
Family and stability
The weather, the love of the people, the food... Modric feels very comfortable in Madrid and so does his family. His wife Vanja Bosnic, and their three children, Ivano, Ema and Sofia, are well settled in the Spanish capital and he does not want to uproot them. Modric highly values stability in his private life and considers it one of the fundamental keys to his success. As such, he believes that the best thing for him is to continue his career at Madrid, where he also plans to continue living when he retires.
Building a lasting legacy
Modric very much identifies with legendary players that he has encountered over his years at the Bernabéu, such as Zinedine Zidane, Raúl, Xabi Alonso and Santiago Solari. He wants to continue at Madrid in a role where he feels he can contribute and leave a lasting legacy like those have gone before him. For that reason, he believes that the best thing for him is to retire in the white or Madrid, and to continue strengthening the bond he has with the supporters that adore him.
Salary
Modric was tempted by Inter’s incredible offer last summer, but never demanded that Madrid matched it. In fact, in the meeting he had with the club’s direction in the summer, he told them that he did not expect an early renewal. However, the club insisted on reviewing his salary and the Croatian appreciates the love that the club has always shown him in all aspects.
Relationship with Peréz and Sanchez
Modric maintains a great relationship with club president Florentino Peréz and director general José Ángel Sánchez. The club’s two highest directors hold him in high regard for his performance on the field and for his sincerity off it. The 33-year-old has always spoken to them face to face, be it for good or for bad, and has never hid behind third parties to transmit what he wants to say. It is also this aspect of his personality that has made him a popular figure in the dressing room, where he enjoys the deep respect of all of his team mates.
