Mateo Kovacic considering permanent future away from Real Madrid
By Hasan Karim
Despite being lauded by fans for his big potential, a successful couple of years, trophies collected and being called Luka Modric’s heir – Mateo Kovacic isn’t thinking about returning to his current parent club, Real Madrid.
The Croatian international joined Real Madrid in 2015 from Inter Milan, however, despite continued success during his time at the club, felt he wasn’t getting enough game time. The player voiced his concerns during the World Cup this summer and his wish was granted with the player being sent on a one year loan to Premier League club, Chelsea.
The Croat has seemingly settled down well in London and is enjoying his stay there. Linking up with former team-mate Alvaro Morata, who joined last year, and playing alongside Eden Hazard, who is still being linked with a move to Madrid.
It was also reported recently that Kovacic’s conduct during the summer to force a move did not sit well with the hierarchy at Madrid – Florentino Perez and Co. have reportedly decided that they will move the Croat on permanently come the end of the loan deal.
Speaking about his future with Sky Sports, Mateo said: “For now, I am happy here. The city is amazing, the club is one of the best in the world, and my team-mates are great. I need to respect my previous club, Real Madrid. I can imagine myself staying here, but I have a contract I need to respect, and that is what I will do.”
He joined Real from Inter Milan in 2015 for 27 million Euros – his high potential impressed those at the club during his tenure. His versatility and ball-carrying ability impressed fans at the club who were upset at his departure in the summer, especially with most seeing him as the real heir to Luka Modric’s spot in the Madrid midfield.
However, Kovacic said he needed to move to progress his career. “I think it was the most important thing I did for now in my career. It was a step I wanted a lot, I wanted to come here. I say thank you to my previous club, to Chelsea as well, who wanted me a lot. I am enjoying it and I like it a lot here.”
The Croatian also emphatically praised his current team-mate and reported Madrid transfer target, Eden Hazard. The Belgian, who is in fine form this season, has been consistently linked to Madrid. His world-class ability is something Kovacic believes will see him become a top three player in the world.
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“For me, he is an incredible player, I did not know he was that good and he can easily be one of the two or three best players in the world.”
“He asked me how it was there (at Real) but we are looking forward to having a great season together, to be fully concentrated on Chelsea.”