Real Madrid are reportedly set to offer the Croatia international a new long-term deal that will keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond 2018.
Spanish publication MARCA claim that Real Madrid are looking to extend Modric’s contract at the Bernabeu. Despite Modric turning 31 this year, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez wishes to hold on to the midfield maestro for the long term. Usually one of the first names on the team sheet, Modric has managed to become a mainstay in the team under managers like Zinedine Zidane, Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez.
After a difficult first year following a big money move from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, the Croatia international has gone on to become one of the most integral parts of Real Madrid’s success over the past four seasons. Following his reported €30 million move, Modric endured a difficult spell in Spain under then manager Jose Mourinho, primarily due to the new environment and his lack of fitness. However, he progressed as the season went on and broke into the starting lineup at Real Madrid toward the end of the season.
Under Carlo Ancelotti the following season, Modric went on to establish himself as one of the best midfielders in the world and helped Real to a famous La Decima victory His influence continued under Rafa Benitez and subsequently under Zinedine Zidane, with the 30-year old only ever being left out due to injury.
Despite not contributing towards goals and assists as much as he would like, Modric almost always runs the show from midfield, dictating the pace of game, pulling the strings in midfield and making those key passes in the final third with near-unrivaled creativity. With James Rodriguez edging closer to a move away from Madrid and Mateo Kovacic likely to follow, it seems as if Modric is set to remain as Zidane’s first choice playmaker for his new first full season in charge as Real Madrid manager.
