Luka Modric explains shock decision to become an investor and co-owner at Swansea City as Real Madrid superstar eyes 'exciting future' with Championship club

The 39-year-old shocked just about everyone when it was revealed he had become a minority owner at the Welsh club. Now, the Croatian midfielder has opened up on this "exciting opportunity" and his goals for the club.

He told Swansea's website: "This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level. Playing at the highest level, I believe I can provide my experience to the club. My goal is to support the club’s growth in a positive way and to help to build an exciting future."

CEO Tom Gorringe said: “I am excited that Luka has come on board as an investor and co-owner. There is no better role model in the game for our players, from the academy right through to the first team. His endorsement of our ambition and willingness to support us on our journey will be instrumental as we aim to continue to improve our results on and off the pitch. In our conversations, he has demonstrated his passion for the club, his knowledge of how we are performing, and a genuine passion to help us improve. I am really looking forward to working with him more closely to drive us forward.”

The Swansea City board added: “We are delighted that Luka has joined our ownership group. From our first discussions, it was clear that there was alignment on our visions and that Luka would be a real asset to our group. We’d like to thank Luka and his team for their support through this process, and we look forward to welcoming him to the Swansea.com Stadium to meet you all as soon as possible.”

Swansea have said Modric's investment in the club is an endorsement of their "ambition and vision", with the veteran set to play a "key role" in helping them garner "global attention" and progress on and off the pitch. All eyes will be on how big a role the ex-Tottenham man plays at the Swans as they target a Premier League return.

While Modric prepares for Madrid's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal on Wednesday, Swansea take on Hull City in the Championship on Friday.