Luka Modric signed a new deal with Real Madrid in the spring with the guarantee that despite his age he would continue to compete for a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting eleven. The Croatian playmaker turned down offers from Saudi Arabia and Qatar and even a very attractive end-of-career project from MLS.
With a place on the bench in 66% of games so far (only four starts), Ancelotti did not start him until the fourth game of the season, which left the midfielder disappointed, as reported by Relevo.
Robert Matteoni of Sportske Novosti and the author of Modric’s biography explains that there was no explanation from Ancelotti about these substitutions. They did speak before the first international break and the Italian told him that he would return to the eleven. Since then, he has played minutes against Real Sociedad (28 minutes), was a starter against Union Berlin (81) and Atlético (45) and was an unused against Las Palmas and Girona, before playing against Napoli (25) and returning to the eleven against Osasuna (79). He is 15th for minutes in the Los Blancos squad.
Modric’s situation being closely monitored
What happens in the next few games will determine the decision he makes regarding the second half of the season. Much of what happens in this autumn stretch will influence whether Modric opts to ask for a January exit. There is still interest from Saudi Arabia and MLS and he has been linked with a move to Inter Miami, with reports suggesting a move to America is more likely.
Modric has been frustrated with the amount of game time he has had this season and it remains to be seen how it will play out over the coming weeks and months with fierce competition in the Madrid engine room.
Kieran Quaile | GSFN
