‘Cristiano Ronaldo Will Not Leave Real Madrid’

Luka Modric does not believe Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Real Madrid this summer despite mounting speculation to the contrary.

Reports this week have suggested Ronaldo could be about to call time on his record-breaking nine-year stay at the Bernabeu, with Juventus heavily linked with the Portugal international.

Modric, however, hopes – and thinks – that the 33-year-old will end up staying in with the European champions.

Speaking after Croatia’s World Cup quarter-final win over Russia, Modric said in AS: “Let’s see what happens.

“I don’t think he’s going to go and I would like him to stay because he’s the best player in the world. He means a lot and hopefully he will stay.”

The Croatia captain, who has won four Champions League titles alongside Ronaldo, added of Madrid’s all-time record goalscorer: “I think he’s going to stay, that’s my opinion.

“It would be very good if he stayed because I can’t imagine him in any other European team.”