Modric: let me leave

Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Luka Modric has begged his club to let him leave after they slapped a £20 million price-tag on the Croatian international and told the player he could not join anybody this January after Chelsea, Man City and Juventus all showed interest in the player.

“First I was very surprised by the club’s decision,” he said. “Everything was getting ready for my transfer and I was sure I would leave Dinamo in January.

“I am a little sad to say it but today it is not like that anymore. I must say I'm not unhappy with the club’s decision and I'm staying.

“After all, Dinamo is my club. And I'm also happy that I will be the captain, able to lift trophy in the Croatian championship at the end of the season - I hope we will also win the cup.

“But yes, I have been surprised when they told me I am staying in Zagreb."

As for which clubs were closest to securing a deal Modric was not prepared to say, but he reiterated that his desire to move is motivated by ambition rather than money.

“I would rather not talk about names, after all nothing happened. But yes, there were definitely a lot of clubs interested in me," he continued.

“I'm a professional football player and I'll have enough motivation to continue playing in Dinamo’s shirt. Maybe my motivation will be even stronger.

“I'll be motivated with my national team at Euro 2008.

“My deal lasts until 2009, but I would like to leave Dinamo after Euro 2008. But not because of money issues, just because I want to play in a better league.

“Money doesn't matter in my life and I'm happy with what I get at Dinamo.”