Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has said that he was hoping international team-mate Ivan Rakitic would join the Spanish capital side but wished him well ahead of his move to Barcelona.
Rakitic was in superb form last season and played a big part in Sevilla’s successful Europa League campaign, plus he was the only player in La Liga to score against the top three – Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
All of the aforementioned three have been linked with a summer move but it is all-but confirmed that the Croatian midfielder will join Barcelona this summer.
Catalan daily Sport have released quotes from Modric saying that he wanted Rakitic at Madrid but wished him well on his pending move to bitter rivals Barca.
“It’s clear that if it was me, I would have liked him to sign for Madrid, but in the end it wasn’t to be and he’s gone to Barca,” Modric said. “I’m delighted for him. He deserves it. When you go to a big club like Barca, which has a global following, it’s an important step in your career.
“Everyone has seen this season what he is able to do. He’s a great player who is progressing and I convinced he will be even better next season.”