LUKA MODRIC has revealed details of a meeting with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich on board his ‘massive yacht’ in 2011.
The Real Madrid superstar nearly moved from Tottenham to Stamford Bridge that year but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy stepped in and blocked the transfer.
Luka Modric has opened up about a 2011 meeting with Roman AbramovichCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Chelsea owner Abramovich tried to sign the Croatian for the BluesCredit: AFP – Getty
The Croatian eventually moved to the Bernabeu a year later and went on to win the 2018 Ballon d’Or.
But he had just played his third season at Tottenham and was regarded as one of the league’s best midfielders in 2011.
And after his meeting with Chelsea’s Russian billionaire owner, the playmaker was set on the move across London.
Asked why he stayed at White Hart Lane, the 35-year-old told FourFourTwo: “Tottenham didn’t want to sell me to them, that’s why.
“To be honest, I didn’t have big expectations that it would happen – it was always really difficult that Tottenham would sell me to Chelsea, especially because they’re rival teams from the same city.
“It was nice to know that they were interested in signing me, because it showed I was doing well, but it didn’t happen simply because Tottenham just didn’t want to sell me.”
But Spurs’ stance did not stop Chelsea from pursuing their man and Modric was invited to discuss the matter on Abramovich’s mega-yacht in the south of France.
Modric – who previously described Abramovich as ‘mysterious’ added: “It was a massive yacht. It was a nice moment and we had a small chat – he’s a very pleasant person.
Modric revealed the meeting took place on Abramovich’s ‘massive yacht’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
“I met him there for the first time and we spoke a bit, but that was it. That yacht was amazing, though.”
Abramovich purchased his yacht for £300million in 2010 but added luxury extras and security measures to increase the value.
It is 533ft long – more than twice the size of the pitch at Stamford Bridge – and is now worth £1billion.
Ultimately it was Levy who put the blockers on Modric’s exit but the Los Blancos star bears no grudges.
He added: “I think everyone knows that Daniel is a very tough negotiator, and from that standpoint it’s really good for the club.
“I think he’s done so many great things for the club – they’ve progressed so well under him, and he always looks after their interests.
“As a player, sometimes you can’t understand this – you have something on your mind, you want to go, or you want to do something.
“But he was always looking after the best interests of Tottenham.
“That’s Daniel’s strong side and he needs to continue being like that, because the club is the most important thing.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
