Luka Modric says no to Saudi Pro League offer. Luka Modric, a midfielder for Real Madrid, is said to have declined Al Ahli’s offer of €80 million a season.
Modric has reportedly turned down a transfer to the Saudi Pro League in favor of staying at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to Marca (via Madrid Zone). The future of the Croatian midfielder is up in the air because his contract is set to expire at the end of the month.
Before the discovery of Al Ahli’s interest, Modric appeared destined to stay at Real Madrid through the summer. After learning that his former teammate Karim Benzema was joining Al Ittihad, the Saudi giants became keen to entice the best stars to the Middle East.
Modric, though, appears to have turned down Al Malaki’s offer and plans to stick with Los Blancos. According to Spanish journalist Arancha Rodriguez, the 37-year-old has already agreed to a new contract with Carlo Ancelotti’s team.
After joining Real Madrid in 2012, Modric spent the next 11 seasons at the Bernabeu, where he rose to fame as a Los Merengues icon. He has won two Copa del Rey, three La Liga, and five Champions League championships.
The Croatian has appeared in 52 games across several different tournaments, contributing six goals and six assists. Despite feeling a little worn out after Croatia’s 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign, the seasoned midfielder nonetheless helped Madrid.
When asked about his contract, Modric said he wanted to prove himself worthy of a new one (via Marca): “Not because it’s a gift, but because I deserve to, I want to keep going. Never have I received anything for nothing.”
The Madrid midfielder now appears to be opting to stay with Madrid rather than travel to Saudi Arabia with the elite group of athletes. He’ll try to aid Ancelotti’s team in recovering from a trying season.
Vinicius Junior receives the No. 7 jersey from Real Madrid:
With his fascinating performances for Real Madrid this year, Vinicius Junior has earned the prestigious No. 7 jersey.
In 55 appearances across tournaments, the teenage striker has been in incredible form, scoring 23 goals and dishing out 21 assists. After Eden Hazard was released by Los Blancos, the 22-year-old assumes possession of the No. 7 jersey from the Belgian.
The shirt has been worn by some of Madrid’s most recognizable players, including Vinicius’ favorite star Cristiano Ronaldo. At the Bernabeu, the legendary Portuguese player made 438 games while tallying 450 goals and 131 assists.
When Vinicius replaces Benzema as the star player for Los Blancos after Benzema’s departure, he will be looking to emulate Ronaldo’s success.
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