Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has said he is "so happy" to still be at the club, suggesting that rumoured lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League this summer didn’t interest him.
Modric made 52 appearances for Madrid in all competitions last season, albeit seeing his starts begin to decrease with age. The Croatian will turn 38 on Saturday, but he signed a new contract in June to extend his time at the Bernabeu into a 12th season.
There were rumours shortly after his new deal in the Spanish capital was signed that Modric had turned one of the biggest contracts in football history, supposedly offered by Al Hilal.
The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner has already seen former teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema head to the Saudi Pro League this year, as well as Sadio Mane, N'Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino and many more.
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But Saudi Arabia, where the transfer window closes on Thursday night, didn't tempt Modric.
"Real Madrid expressed their desire to continue together in the spring, I had the same desire. We sat down and quickly agreed. It's always been like this with my club, for 12 years, it cannot be changed. Our relationship is extraordinary," he told Sportske Novosti.
"I'm so happy and fulfilled at Real Madrid, not thinking about other options.
"I don't even need to boost my ego with these stories about big offers. I just want to enjoy every moment in football and Real Madrid...I will work as much as possible to be among the protagonists this season as well. There are a lot of games, competitions, there will be space for everyone."
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This article was originally published on 90min as Luka Modric emphatically shuts down Saudi Arabia transfer rumours.
