Luka Modric believes star forward Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Real Madrid despite links with Juventus.
Modric has still high hopes on Ronaldo staying in Madrid.
According to reports, the Portuguese star has stunned Madrid fans by agreeing to a move to Juve and is set to sign a four-year contract worth €30 million (£26.5m/$35m) per season.
The Serie A giants still have to negotiate a fee with Madrid and are expected to have to pay upwards of €100m. But it can also go as high as €120m (£106m/$140.5m). However, Ronaldo’s team-mate Modric does not believe a transfer will materialise.
“I don’t think he’s going to leave, and I’d like him to stay because he’s the best player in the world. I think he’s going to stay; that’s my opinion. It would be great if he did because I can’t imagine him at any other club. Let’s see what happens.”
Modric was speaking after helping Croatia to the World Cup semi-finals. His side will face England after defeating hosts Russia 4-3 on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw in Sochi.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo exited the competition with Portugal at the last-16 phase, beaten 2-1 by Uruguay. The talk of his future has dominated the news agenda. The player’s agent has also suggested Ronaldo wants a new challenge.
Juventus compelled to publish a statement after their stock price rocketed amid news of the superstar’s potential arrival. The Italian champions stated,
“After the request from CONSOB related to the news published recently on media outlets, Juventus Football Club S.p.A is keen to remind that during the transfer season the club is evaluating several opportunities and will publish adequate information as prescribed by the law.”
Former Bianconeri CEO, Luciano Moggi went as far as claiming Ronaldo has “already signed” and is merely waiting on the formalities of the deal to get completed.