Despite offers from Saudi Arabia, Luka Modric has decided to continue his career at Real Madrid. Karim Benzema chose the opposite option.
At the beginning of the summer, Karim Benzema, against all expectations, decided to reject Real’s extension offer to join Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Championship. The €200 million offer made by the Saudi Pro League raised the bar.
Also targeted by the Gulf country, Luka Modric did not want to join the battalion of players who departed this summer. As he told Croatian media, the 2018 Ballon d’Or still intends to benefit from the highest level under the tunic of the White House. Sportske ,Why did you refuse Saudi Arabia? I am really happy and satisfied, and even if it is so, I do not think of any other option. I too do not need to inflate my ego with these big deal stories. I want to enjoy every moment of football and Real Madrid and I have not set any limits for myself. I am not afraid for myself, because I have gone through many difficult trials in my life, but I am well aware that it will be a very demanding adjustment.“, he assured.
“I miss Benzema”
However, he clearly respects the Frenchman’s career choice, even if he assures that he misses the presence of “Neuve” on a daily basis: “Of course I miss him because we were together for 11 years. I feel the same feeling of nostalgia that I feel every time my teammates and friends leave, like Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Cristiano Ronaldo and others. These are all additional classes. We have been through so much together, achieved so much and enjoyed so much, these are special relationships that are bound to last forever.,
Modric: “I miss Benzema, we were together for 11 years. With every departure, whether for Ramos, Marcelo or Cristiano, I feel the same sense of nostalgia. These are special relationships, which will last for the rest of our lives. Connected for life.” pic.twitter.com/qMxUiXXOSc
– France RMCF (@FranceRMCF) 7 September 2023
Since arriving from Tottenham in 2012, Luka Modric has made 492 appearances for Real Madrid and won no less than 23 trophies, including five Champions Leagues.