Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui shoots down Luka Modric transfer rumors
By Ben Sundock
New boss Julen Lopetegui had a clear message after Real Madrid‘s recovery training session in Washington D.C. Sunday afternoon: Luka Modric is not leaving the club and Inter Milan should back off.
"“I talked to him [Luka Modric] after the World Cup,” Lopetegui told reporters this afternoon. “We will talk on the eighth to see if he will be ready on the 15th, but he is a player that I am passionate about, a player I love. He is a Real Madrid player and will stay with us.”"
If that is not a clear indicator that Luka will be back directing the Madrid midfield com mid-August, I don’t know what will. Actually, a release clause rumored to be three-quarters of a billion euros should be enough to deter Inter’s pursuit.
After the way that Modric played during the World Cup, it has made the Real Madrid board and fans even more aware of how incredible he truly is. The man is the quarterback of the 10 outfield players on the pitch.
His ability to move the ball from side to side, end to end, is simply unmatched by any midfielder not only in Europe, but in the world. Lopetegui went on to say of Luka, “Am I calm about the situation? Luka is a Real Madrid player and will continue to be so, I have no doubts about that.”
The two have been in close contact over the course since the end of the tournament in Russia, and much like Marcelo, the fans need not worry about what will happen in the next three weeks.
Luka Modric has always and will always be loyal to this club. He has earned the respect of the Santiago Bernabéu fans and should continue to be a key player alongside Toni Kroos and Casemiro. Even at 32-years-old, Luka has three prime years left I think.
He has great stamina and an incredible work ethic. Things shouldn’t change much for him this coming season.
Next. No need to fear! Marcelo is back in Real Madrid training. dark
I, like Lopetegui, have no concern over where the number 10 will playing in 2018/2019. There is no way Inter Milan could pay for his release clause, and for that matter, really want to. Paying €750 million would make him the most expensive player ever!
After a rather active window from La Beneamata, they can’t afford this deal. I don’t know if any club in the world can afford this deal.