Luka Modric opens up on is failed transfer to Chelsea
In his new book, Luka Modric: My Autobiography, which publishes on 20 August (h/t The Guardian), the former Tottenham midfielder has opened up on his failed move to arch rivals Chelsea in 2011.
Modric joined Tottenham in 2008 from Croatian outfit and Dinamo Zagreb and had quickly established hismelf as one of the best midfielders in the Premeir League. And, Chelsea were desperate to sign him up but saw several bids knocked back. (h/t Independent)
And Modric has now spilled the details of the failed move in his new autobiography. Modric reveals how Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich met up with him on his private yacht in order to convince him to join Chelsea. The midfielder himself wanted to make the switch to Stamford Bridge. (h/t The Guardian)
“He wasn’t beating around the bush and said: ‘We know you are a quality player. I’d like you to sign for Chelsea.’ I had come to his yacht to talk, so it was evident I wished the same.”
Modric goes on to detail that how he felt it was the right time for him to take the next step in his career. However, a move was blocked by Daniel Levy, who later went on to reprimand the midfielder for going public about his intentions of leaving the club. (h/t The Guardian)
“He reprimanded me for publicly announcing I wanted to leave and repeated that Tottenham had no intention of selling at any price.”
Chelsea kept coming back with improved offers, which Spurs kept knocking back. This all led to a lot of frustration, Modric has claimed. However, once the transfer window closed, he came back with a clear head and got down to work. (h/t The Guardian)
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A year later, Modric would secure a move away from Tottenham, signing for Real Madrid. He has gone on to win a bucket load of trophies at the Bernabeu and was the Ballon d’Or winner in 2018.
