Real Madrid News
Dinamo Zagreb to name training pitch after Real Madrid icon Luka Modric
It is rare for a player in the world of sports to be regarded as a legend during his playing days. It is a privilege that only the best of the best enjoy and represents the epitome of the sport.
Luka Modric is one such individual in football. The Croatian midfielder still plays at the highest level for Real Madrid at the age of 37 and is already considered one of the best midfielders to have ever graced the field.
According to rumours from MARCA, Dinamo Zagreb’s training pitch near their stadium will be named after Luka Modric as a sign of respect. It has been decided through a democratic vote and shows the unanimous acceptance of the player’s greatness.
Modric began his career with the youth academy of Dinamo Zagreb back in Croatia in 2002. After a few seasons and loan spells from the Zagreb-based side, he entered Europe’s top leagues with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2008. Since then, he has not looked back.
At 37, the veteran midfielder is still an indispensable member of Carlo Ancelotti’s side and regularly clocks over 80 minutes even on Champions League nights. He is even expected to start later today when Los Blancos take on Chelsea in the semifinal of the UCL.
In seven Champions League appearances this season, Modric has scored two goals and provided one assist. Further, he averages one key pass per game and has created two big chances.
With Modric’s contract expiring at the end of the season, it has been suggested that the midfielder is set to sign a one-year contract extension with Real Madrid and that the talks were nearing completion.
Needless to say, his continuity will be a big relief for Carlo Ancelotti who also looks set to stay for 2023-24.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
