Luka Modric has ended speculation regarding his possible transfer from Tottenham Hotspur, by signing a new six-year contract with the club (Spurs 50/1 to win the 2010-11 Premier League).
Manchester United and Chelsea had been linked with a move for the playmaker, who arrived at White Hart Lane from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008.
Modric was instrumental as Spurs qualified for the Champions League last season and he revealed that he feels that they can continue to progress: “Tottenham Hotspur gave me my chance in the Premier League and I want to go on to achieve great success here with them.
“Yes, there have been enquiries from other big clubs, but I have no interest in going anywhere.
“Last season’s Top 4 finish was an indication of where we are as a club and I feel I can continue to improve and go on to achieve everything I want to at Spurs.”
The news is a major boost for Spurs’ ambitions next season. Modric was only two years into a five-year contract, but his performances ensured that the Croatian international secured a major pay increase (Croatia are 10/11 to win Euro 2012 qualifying Group F).
Earlier this week, the Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp had spoken out about his reluctance to sell Modric: “There’s no chance of it happening at all. Luka’s key to everything that’s happening at this place.
“Everybody knows what I think of him. And if you want to move on to higher levels you don’t start flogging off your best players – to anyone.
“I have an excellent squad and I stress, Luka Modric is going to remain a part of it.”
In his two seasons at Spurs, Modric has made 77 appearances and scored eight goals. He has played mainly on the left side of Redknapp’s midfield, but featured in a more central role during Tottenham’s crucial Premier League run-in as they secured fourth place.
Modric has been described by Redknapp as, “Tottenham’s one world class player.”