Luka Modric has admitted that retiring at Real Madrid would be a "dream" in the biggest hint yet that he is keen to extend his stay in the Spanish capital beyond this season.
Modric, 37, is currently with thriving in Qatar with Croatia at the World Cup. Modric and his country have defied the odds to set up a mouthwatering semi-final showdown with Lionel Messi and Argentina on Tuesday, with Croatia intent on emulating their defeat in the 2018 final.
Despite his advancing years, Modric has been pulling the strings for Croatia in the Middle East and has rolled back the clock to produce some vintage performances.
The former Tottenham playmaker is only contracted to remain at the Bernabeu until the summer due to Los Blancos' policy of only handing one-year extensions to players over 30. And despite speculation that Modric could be set to depart the Spanish giants at the end of the current LaLiga campaign, Modric has insisted that he has no desire to move elsewhere.
“For now, I’m at the World Cup and very focused on Croatia,” the veteran is quoted as saying by Diario AS. “What happens next, let’s see, there’s enough time to talk about everything.
“Of course I want to retire in Madrid, I’ve said that many times. You can’t say anything for 100%, but that’s my idea, and it’s a dream for me.”
Since making the switch to Real Madrid, Modric has cemented his legacy as one of the finest midfielder's of his generation: the veteran has clocked up over 450 appearances and helped Los Blancos to five Champions League titles and a further three domestic crowns.
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But although Modric's time in Spain has been almost synonymous with success, accolades and trophies have eluded him at international level.
Croatia came agonisingly to winning their first ever major trophy during the last World Cup tournament back in 2018. Modric again was influential in their historic run, just months after being claiming the coveted Ballon d'Or trophy. However, France ran out 4-2 winners in a one-sided final that ended up running away from Modric and co.
If Croatia can negotiate a tricky tie against Argentina, who are being driven forward by Messi, then Zlatko Dalic's side could come face-to-face with their old conquerors at Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
But Modric is not looking past Tuesday's match, insisting: "We have faith that everything will go well. It is not easy to get here, we have had to play many games and lose some, but since the World Cup in Russia, we are doing well. We would have liked to have won earlier, but we are ready for anything."
