Luka Modric Cristiano Ronaldo Real MadridGetty

Modric echoes Ronaldo in Real Madrid retirement ambition

Luka Modric has echoed Cristiano Ronaldo in stating his ambition to retire as a Real Madrid player.

The Croatian midfielder has been with the Blancos since completing a £30 million move from Tottenham in 2012.

He has enjoyed a productive spell in the Spanish capital, claiming the La Liga title, three Champions League crowns and three Club World Cup triumphs.

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Modric has emerged as a key figure in Zinedine Zidane’s plans and, while currently working under a contract until 2020, is hoping to see out his playing days in Madrid.

He told Codere, Real’s official betting partner: "I've always had confidence and had it in my mind that I was going to go far.

Luka Modric retire at Real Madrid

“Signing for Real Madrid and winning titles is a dream come true. There are not many players who have managed to retire whilst playing for such a team and let's see what happens. That is my real aim.

"That is my character, I always strive for more. Even if I am satisfied with what I have done, I always look to the next. You have to enjoy it for as long as it lasts. That is what pushes me forward and is part of my being."

Modric’s statement of commitment to Real comes hot on the heels of Portuguese talisman Ronaldo doing likewise in the wake of a successful Club World Cup title defence in Abu Dhabi.

He said when asked on whether he plans to retire at the Bernabeu: "I would really like to, but things don't depend on me. What depends on me is what I do on the pitch.

“I am not the one who runs the club, that is for those in charge. My job is on the pitch and I think I am doing it well, the rest I can't control."

Madrid boss Zidane and club president Florentino Perez have also aired their desire to see Ronaldo stay on for the foreseeable future.

If he is to do so, then he should play a leading role alongside Modric in helping the Blancos to chase down more silverware.

Real Madrid Super Cup 2017

"We want to win every possible title again,” added Modric.

“We are there in the league and we will give everything we can to try to overcome. There is also a lot to play for in the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, which we would love to win again."

Real are in danger of seeing their La Liga crown slip this season, as they sit 11 points off the title pace, but they do have a Clasico clash with arch-rivals Barcelona to come on December 23 which could reignite their campaign.

Modric added on that fixture: “We are in good shape and happy that we have this great game to play in before Christmas. We are ready and willing to give our all in el Clásico. Hopefully we will win and get closer to the top of the table.
 
"Winning will depend on playing together, on how we read the game and how we play as a unified team. It is important to be together and not give Barcelona any space because if you let them play, they have players who can really punish you. The two teams have some great players and any of them can decide the game."

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