Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric admits the squad expected Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo to stay – “we made bets in the dressing room”.
The reigning Ballon d’Or joined the Bianconeri in a €100m deal in the summer, in what was one of the most surprising transfers of the summer.
“I didn’t expect either [Coach Zinedine] Zidane or Ronaldo would leave,” Modric confessed in an interview with France Football.
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric admits the squad expected Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo to stay – “we made bets in the dressing room”.
The reigning Ballon d’Or joined the Bianconeri in a €100m deal in the summer, in what was one of the most surprising transfers of the summer.
“I didn’t expect either [Coach Zinedine] Zidane or Ronaldo would leave,” Modric confessed in an interview with France Football.
“In fact, when the rumours about Cristiano first came up we made best among ourselves in the dressing room and we were sure he would stay.
“But, well, everyone makes their own choices in life.”
Modric was given FIFA’s World Player of the Year award, and could be given the Ballon d’Or ahead of CR7.
“I’m a more shy, reserved person and quite frankly I don’t appreciate this media overexposure.
“I don’t want to go any further on this subject, the world around me suits me as it is.
“Ronaldo is on another level of football, and it’s normal that the media attention corresponds to that. I prefer simplicity.”