Luka Modric ends Premier League return talk with new Real Madrid deal

Luka Modric Real Madrid head shot TEAMtalk

Luka Modric has put an end to fanciful talk he will return to Tottenham by signing a one-year contract extension with Real Madrid.

The 35-year-old Croatia midfielder has agreed new terms to remain with the Spanish giants until summer 2022. It will take him to a decade with Los Blancos in which time he has won two LaLiga titles and four Champions League crowns. This season though Real have endured a difficult campaign by their lofty standards, beaten to Spain’s LaLiga title by city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea dumped the 13-time European champions out of the continent’s premier competition at the semi-final stage, in another disappointing showing.

Manager Zinedine Zidane’s tenure remains under scrutiny, but Real bosses have wasted little time in holding onto playmaker Modric.

Modric has made more than 250 appearances for the club after joining from Tottenham in 2012, having spent four years in north London.

He had been linked with a sensational return to north London.

Reports emerged in December suggesting that Modric could complete a sensational return to Tottenham. Jose Mourinho managed to lure Gareth Bale back from Madrid in the summer, and Modric could follow suit.

 

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There were suggestions that Mourinho – who was in charge of Real when they signed Modric – had already contacted the playmaker.

And then Todofichajes took those claims further. The Spanish website explained that Mourinho was “determined” to reunite with Modric.

Modric’s Man Utd link

It was claimed that Mourinho wanted Tottenham to offer Modric a contract lasting two years. And with wages similar to those he currently earns in Madrid.

Mourinho of course though got the boot last month and with it went Spurs’ hope of landing the Ballon d’Or 2018 winner.

Manchester United and Newcastle were also linked with Modric last summer, but the Croatian will remain in Spain.

Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and AC Milan had also been linked with a move for Modric by Spanish outlet Diario Gol, after Don Balon stated that Zinedine Zidane wants rid of the player.

Retirement had also been mentioned for the player, who has won 16 trophies in Madrid.

“I’m 35 but I feel like I’m only 27. I feel great,” he said in March. “You shouldn’t look at the age, it’s all about how we perform on the pitch, regardless of age. I’m still hungry for more, to continue playing at the highest level and I feel great.”

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