Luka Modric signs new deal to stay at Real Madrid

Luka Modric set a target on Wednesday to finish his playing days at Real Madrid. The 31-year-old Croatia skipper outlined his ambitions moments after signing a new contract that will tie him to Santiago Bernabeu until 2020. 

Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach

Since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Modric has been a key member of the Real midfield and has won two Champions League titles.

"My wish is to retire at Real Madrid and with this renewal I am closer to that goal," Modric said. "I want to thank the club and the president for having so much confidence in me. I am going to continue giving everything I have, working hard and I hope to have more success in front of me."

Modric's first season in Spain was not a success. But a dynamic work rate and a silky playmaker's touch in midfield have endeared him to the Spanish side's demanding faithful as well as a string of Madrid coaches.

"I had confidence in myself from the start," said Modric who became captain of his national team in August following the retirement of Darijo Srna. "I never doubted my qualities. I knew that sooner or later I way going to succeed here with the work I put into every match, every training session."

Modric did not feature in Tuesday night's Champions League game against Legia Warsaw. He is nursing a knee injury, which is expected to keep him out of the side until next month.

"To play at Real Madrid it is not enough to have football quality," he added. "It is very important to be strong mentality and never give up."