Luka Modrić has dropped a bombshell on Tottenham Hotspur by asking to leave White Hart Lane and sign for Chelsea.
The Blues bid £22 million for Modrić earlier this week - which was flatly rejected by Spurs who insist the 25-year-old Croatia midfielder is not for sale
He told The Daily Telegraph: "I would like to go to Chelsea. A lot of players would like to go there and play for Chelsea because it is one of the best clubs in the world, and so do I, I would like to play there.
"Chelsea are a big club with an ambitious owner. They have great players and they have ambitions to fight for the title and win the Champions League. They are going in a great direction and everything about the club is very good.
"They are the only one who sent an offer and they are at the moment my first choice."
Spurs' failure to qualify for next season's Champions League is a major factor in Modrić's thinking and has clearly influenced him.
"Last season it was the first time I had played in the Champions League and it was amazing," he said.
"It's a great competition, the best in the world and I would like to play in it again. I would like to play in it this year it's going to be difficult to play without the Champions League."
Although Modrić is adamant he wants to leave, he is hopeful his departure will not be acrimonious.
He added: "I don't want to fight and argue with Tottenham. I'll want to go in a good way, a friendly way so I can stay friends with them. I have spent three great years there and the fans are great, the club is great.
"I love them and they love me but that's the way it is and I have to think what is best for my career.
"But first I need to speak to the chairman and see his view on everything. I don't know when that will be, but soon."
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| Luka Modrić wants to leave Tottenham Hotspur for Chelsea Photo: AP |
The Blues bid £22 million for Modrić earlier this week - which was flatly rejected by Spurs who insist the 25-year-old Croatia midfielder is not for sale
Now Modrić himself has broken his silence on the matter, and says he wants to end his spell at White Hart Lane.
He told The Daily Telegraph: "I would like to go to Chelsea. A lot of players would like to go there and play for Chelsea because it is one of the best clubs in the world, and so do I, I would like to play there.
"Chelsea are a big club with an ambitious owner. They have great players and they have ambitions to fight for the title and win the Champions League. They are going in a great direction and everything about the club is very good.
"They are the only one who sent an offer and they are at the moment my first choice."
Spurs' failure to qualify for next season's Champions League is a major factor in Modrić's thinking and has clearly influenced him.
"Last season it was the first time I had played in the Champions League and it was amazing," he said.
"It's a great competition, the best in the world and I would like to play in it again. I would like to play in it this year it's going to be difficult to play without the Champions League."
Although Modrić is adamant he wants to leave, he is hopeful his departure will not be acrimonious.
He added: "I don't want to fight and argue with Tottenham. I'll want to go in a good way, a friendly way so I can stay friends with them. I have spent three great years there and the fans are great, the club is great.
"I love them and they love me but that's the way it is and I have to think what is best for my career.
"But first I need to speak to the chairman and see his view on everything. I don't know when that will be, but soon."
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
