Croatian midfielder Luka Modric has agreed on a new one-year contract with Real Madrid. Modric was set to become a free agent at the end of June, but the Blancos have signed him to new terms that will keep him at the Bernabeu at least until the end of the 2021-22 season.
The 35-year-old has spent the last nine years of his professional career in Madrid, and will now complete a decade with the club.
“Real Madrid CF and Luka Modric have reached an agreement to extend the player’s deal until June 30, 2022.” read a statement from the club
Modric moved to the Bernabeu from Tottenham for £30 million ($43m) back in 2012. He has since racked up 391 appearances for the Blancos across all competitions.
The Croatia international has also recorded 28 goals and 16 assists while getting his hands on four Champions League crowns. Two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and three FIFA Club World Cups. It has been speculated that Modric is nearing the end of his career now. He is in his mid-thirties. After Real’s Champions League round-of-16 victory over Atalanta in March, he insisted that retirement is not on his mind.
“I’m 35, but I somehow feel like I’m 27. I’m in great shape. It’s not about our age; it’s about how we do on the field, regardless of our age. I’m still hungry for more, to keep playing at my best, and I’m in great shape,” he said.
If Modric manages to play a key role in Zinedine Zidane’s squad next season, there’s a good possibility he’ll be offered a new deal. If not, he’ll have plenty of other opportunities, having been tied with Inter Milan and D.C. United in the MLS.
