Marca reports that former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has sent a message to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez regarding Luka Modric’s contract renewal. Recent reports suggest that the club are reluctant to offer Modric a new contract as his current contract expires on June 30th.
The Croatian midfield maestro left Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2012 to join Madrid for a reported €35 million and became a key player for Los Blancos. He has made 563 appearances in all competitions and has scored 41 times. Modric also provided 90 assists at Madrid.
The 39-year-old Modric has been underperforming in the ongoing season, starting just seven of the 19 games he has played in LaLiga. Modric has scored two goals and provided four assists in 28 games in all competitions.
Compatriot Rakitic called on Perez to renew Modric’s contract immediately.
“I hope Florentino Pérez will listen to me carefully… Florentino, please renew him already! Not only for the madridistas, but for all of us who love football Please update him too. Luka is one of the few players who is loved by all Croats: Spaniards, Germans, Turks…” Rakitic said (via Madrid Universal).
“(If he leaves) Real Madrid will miss him, La Liga will miss him. He has to continue to play in the Champions League and I think he will play in the World Cup next year. I hope he does. Age doesn’t matter. I hope we do. Continue to enjoy him.”
Luka Modric’s second half of the season performance will decide his future at Real Madrid
Rakitic, who played alongside Modric for the Croatian national team, was one of the mainstays of Barcelona’s midfield for six years from 2014 to 2020. In 2020, he decided to return to Sevilla, where he arrived in Barcelona. Soon after, he moved to Al-Shabab FC of the Saudi Professional League.
Rakitic is currently traded to Croatian club Hajduk Split, joining him on a free transfer from Al Shabaab. His plea to Perez to renew Modric’s contract stems from the deep respect and admiration he has for the midfielder.
Real Madrid have faced strong challenges from both Barcelona and city rivals Atlético Madrid in La Liga this season, with the latter currently in the lead. Madrid, second in the table with 43 points, most recently lost 5-2 to Barcelona in the Super Cup final.
Modric’s contribution in the second half of the season will go a long way in determining his future at Real Madrid.
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Edited by Ritwik Kumar
