MX23RW : Wednesday, May 8 13:28:36| >> :120:4820:4820:

Dinamo Zagreb take unusual step to lure Real Madrid's Luka Modric back to club

Dinamo Zagreb take unusual step to lure Real Madrid's Modric back to club
© Reuters
Dinamo Zagreb buy a full-page advert in a Spanish newspaper attempting to lure Real Madrid legend Luka Modric back to the Croatian side ahead of the summer window.

Dinamo Zagreb have taken out a full-page advert in a Spanish newspaper in an attempt to lure Real Madrid's Luka Modric back to the club.

Since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for a deal worth £30m, the 38-year-old has been a key first-team player for the 14-time European champions.

Modric has lifted the Champions League on five occasions and won La Liga three times, with the midfielder on course to make it four Spanish titles before the summer.

Despite his importance, the veteran has played a reduced role in Carlo Ancelotti's XI this season, starting just 12 La Liga matches during 2023-24.

Modric remains a starter for his national side, though, providing two assists in Croatia's 4-2 success over Egypt during March's international break.

Dinamo Zagreb make audacious move for Modric

With Modric's contract at the Bernabeu expiring at the conclusion of the season, there has been plenty of speculation on where the midfielder will be playing his football next term.

Dinamo Zagreb have openly expressed their desire for the Croatian by taking out a full-page advert in Spanish newspaper outlet Marca on Saturday.

There is an image of a Zagreb home shirt with Modric's name and number 10 printed onto the back, with a plea for the 38-year-old to return home.

Modric left the Croatian giants in the summer of 2008 in order to join Spurs in the Premier League in a deal worth in the region of £16.5m.

The midfielder made 97 appearances for Zagreb, winning three-straight league titles between 2006 and 2008, while also lifting the Croatian cup on two occasions.

Real Madrid's Luka Modric celebrates scoring their first goal with Lucas Vazquez on February 25, 2024© Reuters

Modric's reduced role at Madrid

During the 2022-23 campaign at Real Madrid, Modric showed no signs of slowing down despite being 37 years of age, playing in 52 matches across all competitions.

However, the midfielder's involvement for Los Blancos has been largely reduced this term, dropping out of Ancelotti's preferred Madrid XI as they chase the La Liga crown.

With Toni Kroos providing the experience at the base of the engine room, Ancelotti has often opted to include youth around the German, including the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham.

Following a nine-day break after their most-recent La Liga fixture, Modric and Real will host Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash on Tuesday night.

ID:540815:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4341:

Click here for more stories about Luka Modric

Click here for more stories about Real Madrid

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Real Madrid's Luka Modric pictured on December 17, 2023
Read Next:
Carlo Ancelotti coy on future of Real Madrid midfielder
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!