Luka Modric Apologises To Tottenham, ‘I Wish We Parted In a Nicer Way’
Luka Modric has seek forgiveness from Tottenham for quitting the White Hart Lane for Real Madrid back in 2012.
The Croatian rose to quickly become a fan favourite in north London after his arrival from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008 and was a prominent part of the exciting spurs.
He commanded and dominated the midfield in 2010-11 a season in which Spurs reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League and was subsequently named the club’s player of the year.
Luka Modric is sorry for the manner in which he quit Tottenham for Real Madrid back in 2012
He quickly grew to become a fan favourite at White Hart Lane following his 2008 transfer
His stellar campaign, however, meant suitors left, right and centre had their interests piqued. He was the subject of a series of bids from city rivals Chelsea while Paris Saint-Germain were also interested in acquiring his services, but chairman Daniel Levy and then manager Harry Redknapp refused to sanction a deal.
But Modric, who scored 13 and assisted 15 goals in 127 Premier League appearances, had his heart set on the Spanish capital and informed Levy of his intentions before going AWOL on the club’s tour to the USA that summer – a saga the midfielder admitted he regrets.
‘My one regret is that I didn’t win a trophy with Tottenham, despite us being a strong team who played good, attractive football,’ he told FourFourTwo. ‘I’m sorry for the way I left. I wish we had parted in a nicer way. I hope fans understand that I followed my dreams.
‘I had a fantastic relationship with the people at the club, and also the fans. The whole atmosphere in and around the club at that time was brilliant, and our results were mostly very good.
‘We played in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, against Real Madrid, and in a League Cup final too.’
Then boss Harry Redknapp was reluctant to let the playmaker leave in the summer of 2012 But the former Spurs man had his heart set on Madrid and went AWOL on the club’s US tour
Modric was dubbed the worst signing of the season by Spanish outlet Marca at the time, but has since gone one to become a superstar at the Bernabeu.
But the Croatia captain revealed he still keeps a keen eye on how his former club are faring.
‘Do I still follow their results? Yes, when I have time,’ he added. ‘I always enjoy watching Tottenham’s games and I really like what the club has become over the last few seasons.
‘They play the kind of enjoyable and attacking football that I like to see, and I definitely think Spurs could win the Premier League title in the near future – they’ve got excellent players.’
He has gone on to become a key player the Bernabeu, but still checks on his former club
