[ad_1]
Luka Modric wants to stay at Real Madrid and says his future will not depend on new signings amid interest in Jude Bellingham.
Modric, who has won five Champions League trophies and three Spanish league titles since joining Real from Tottenham 11 years ago, signed a one-year deal with the Spanish champions at the end of last season.
The 37-year-old midfielder has yet to hold talks with Real about extending his stay, but has remained calm about his future and said he will give his best for the rest of the season to convince the club’s decision-makers.
Modric has been very successful at Real since joining from Tottenham
“I want to stay here on my own merits, not just as a freebee,” Modric said ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 first leg at Liverpool.
“Nobody has given me anything for free in my career and I don’t want that to happen now. If the club thinks I deserve a contract, then I’m happy to stay, but only on merit. Not just based on what I’ve done here or in the past or what history have i completed.
“We haven’t had a conversation in the middle of the season. I’m very relaxed about it.
“This is the club of my life and whatever happens between now and the end of the season, nothing can take away or destroy that feeling and destroy that relationship.”
How will the Bellingham Chase affect Modric’s future?
Jude Bellingham is someone to look out for this summer
Modric has been key to Real’s most successful midfield of the century alongside Casemiro and Toni Kroos, but the Spanish giants have begun preparing for life beyond the legendary trio.
Casemiro, 30, was sold to Manchester United in the summer for £70m and was replaced by midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, 23, from Monaco for around £71m. They had signed another young French midfielder in Eduardo Camavinga, 20, a year earlier from Rennes for £34.4m.
Real Madrid are trying to come up with a succession plan for their midfield trio
Real are now focusing on potential replacements for Modric and Kroos, who are both out of contract at the end of the season. Unlike Modric, Kroos is less certain about his plans and is considering retirement.
England and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham is high on Real’s shortlist for a transfer.
Spanish publication Marca have reported that Modric will only be offered a new contract if Kroos decides to leave the club or fails to sign for Bellingham.
Asked if the new signing would affect Real’s decision to offer a new deal, Modric added: “I think my case is separate, I don’t think it’s related.
Liverpool favorites to enter Bellingham
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Speaking on the European football special edition of The Transfer Show, Florian Plettenberg discussed where Jude Bellingham could end up if he leaves Borussia Dortmund, with Liverpool reportedly interested in signing the England international.
Bellingham is the most sought after teenager in world football and The sky in Germany understand that Liverpool is a pioneer for signing before Real, with manager Jurgen Klopp “pushing hard” for a deal.
Dortmund will demand up to £130m for Bellingham, who has no release clause in his contract.
Reports in Spain suggest that Real Madrid are willing to spend more than £100m to sign Bellingham, as they have cut spending in the recent transfer window to balance their finances.
[ad_2]
Source link