Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Barcelona star Rakitic reveals Modric wanted him at Real Madrid

The Croatian midfielder made a move to Camp Nou in 2014, but his international team-mate had hoped to see him complete a switch to the Spanish capital

Ivan Rakitic has revealed that Luka Modric tried to talk him into a move to Real Madrid before he took the decision to join Barcelona.

Having impressed with his creativity and consistency at Sevilla, the Croatia midfielder was a much sought-after talent in the summer of 2014.

The scramble for his signature was ultimately won by Barca, with a big-money agreement taking him to Camp Nou.

His career path could have been markedly different, though, had he listened to an international team-mate.