Bye Luka, thanks for the memories
So this weekend came the news that Luka Modrić wants to leave Spurs to play at the highest level. Of course I don't want to see him go but there was an air of inevitability after we failed to finish in the top four last season, therefore missing out the Champions League for next year. There is part of me that doesn't blame him. When I read the interview on Friday night I actually thought, "that's fair enough". He has given us three great seasons, and at 26 years old why shouldn't he want to go on and play for some of the best clubs in the world. I don't think there is a Spurs fan around who doesn't consider him good enough to play for the Barcelona's and Man United's of this world.
Of course, I would rather he didn't go to Chelsea or even stay in the Premier League but one thing is certain: if he does go then it won't be on the cheap. Relatively recently he signed a 6 year deal, which along with Levy's hard-ball negotiating skills means that we will get a sizeable transfer fee for him. I'm sure many of my fellow fans will argue what the point of having £35m in the bank is if you can't go out and sign a comparable replacement. That much is true but if the player really wants to leave then these days there is not much you can do about it. Has any team actually made a player play out their contract either on the pitch, or on the bench? Also, in this case I am not sure you can level the "not wanting to be a selling club" argument. I'm not sure anyone levelled that at Manchester United when they sold Ronaldo to Madrid. If the price is right, and the player desires the move then it is always going to happen.
Once again, I hope Luka has a change of heart. Perhaps 'Arry can work his motivational magic. But in case he doesn't, then I for one wish him luck in the future and say thanks for the memories.
- Baydr
