Luka Modric ends transfer speculation by agreeing new contract with Real Madrid

The Croatia midfielder has signed a four-year deal

Agency
Wednesday 20 August 2014 06:36 EDT
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Luka Modric in action for Real Madrid
Luka Modric in action for Real Madrid (GETTY IMAGES)

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Croatia midfielder Luka Modric has signed a new four-year contract with European champions Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old former Dinamo Zagreb and Tottenham man, who started in Tuesday's 1-1 Supercopa first-leg draw against Atletico Madrid, moved to the Spanish capital in 2012 and helped Carlo Ancelotti's side to Champions League and Copa del Rey glory last term.

"Real Madrid CF announces the extension of Luka Modric's contract, linking him to the club for the next four seasons," a short statement from the club read.

The news ends any speculation over a possible move away.

Cristiano Ronaldo will undergo tests on Wednesday afternoon after being substituted due to a muscle strain at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

Colombia winger James Rodriguez, who replaced the Portugal forward after the interval, was optimistic his team-mate would be available for Friday's second leg.

"Cristiano felt something during the game," the 23-year-old said on club website http://www.realmadrid.com. "We hope it's nothing serious."

James Rodriguez celebrates scoring for Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup
James Rodriguez celebrates scoring for Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup (GETTY IMAGES)

Rodriguez, the Golden Boot winner at this summer's World Cup, went on to net his first goal for his new club in the 80th minute.

His strike looked to have given Ancelotti's side the upper hand ahead of Friday's game at the Vicente Calderon, but Raul Garcia equalised two minutes from time for the Primera Division champions.

"I'm delighted because this is a dream for me," Rodriguez said after opening his account following his big-money switch from Monaco last month. "I scored a goal and I hope I can score a lot more goals in the future.

"Step by step, and with a lot of training, I'm improving.

"It's a pity (Atletico equalised) because we had the game in our hands."

Despite the late leveller, Rodriguez remained confident Real would finish the job on Friday.

"Now we must go to the Calderon and get a result," he said. "We will have to be patient, find spaces and try to score.

"As a top team, we need to go out and win.

"I hope I can score again against Atletico on Friday and try to help my team win there."

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