Luka is the Real McCoy
LUKA Modric’s top priority is to win La Liga this season, the midfield maestro said yesterday after signing a new contract that will keep him at Real Madrid until 2020.
The Croatia international has claimed two Champions League titles, a King’s Cup, Uefa Super Cup and the Club World Cup since joining from English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a fee of million (R531-million).
But the domestic league crown, which Real last won in 2012, has eluded him.
“I’ve won everything since I arrived apart from La Liga. You could say our priority is to win the league this year because four years without it is too long,” Modric told a news conference.
His influence at the club has grown each year after initially being questioned over his price tag – in December 2013 readers of Spanish newspaper Marca voted him the worst signing of the season.
The 31-year-old has won over the notoriously impatient Real supporters who gave him a rapturous reception after scoring during a stunning display in a 5-2 win over Osasuna last month.
“The criticism didn’t hurt me. I knew I had come to the biggest club in the world, where the demands are huge – I was prepared for that,” said Modric.
“I didn’t start well but I never doubted, I knew I would succeed sooner or later.
“Today is a special day. I promise I’ll give everything and will work hard to match the club’s demands. I hope to have many more successes here,” added Modric.
“I hope this isn’t my last contract renewal. My wish and desire is to end my career at Real.” — Reuters