Modric: Bellingham has nothing to do with my Real Madrid contract

Jacque Talbot

• 20 Feb 2023 14:10 CST
• 3 min read

Luka Modric has stated that Real Madrid’s possible move for Jude Bellingham will not impact his future with the club.

The veteran midfielder’s contract is up in June, but the Croatian has insisted that any new face coming into the Los Blancos squad will have no bearing on whether he gets fresh terms or not.

As relayed by Fabrizio Romano, Modric said: “I think Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid story has nothing to do with my renewal — this is not on me. I have not talked to the club yet. Of course, I want to stay, but because I deserve it — not because I'm Modric.

“Whatever happens with my future, my love for Real Madrid will never change. This is the club of my life”.

Modric has played 467 games for Real Madrid, helping them earn three La Liga titles, five Champions Leagues, and a Copa del Rey in that time.

Bellingham's Bernabeu links

Bellingham remains a target from a number of Europe’s elite clubs ahead of the summer.

Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and even Paris Saint-Germain are all said to be keen.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is expected to leave the Bundesliga after a stunning three seasons with the club.

Bellingham joined BVB from Birmingham City in 2020, with his former club even announcing that they would retire his number 22 shirt ‘to remember one of our own and to inspire others.’

The 19-year-old has 20 goals under his belt for Dortmund, but his talent is such that a lot of the clubs looking at him wish to build their entire midfield around his presence.

Bellingham also enjoyed a stellar World Cup campaign with England.

He opened the scoring in England's 6–2 win over Iran, a goal which made him the second youngest scorer for the Three Lions.