Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has revealed he tried to lure Real Madrid star Luka Modric to Chelsea but the midfielder was keen to stay at the Bernabeu.
The Croatian international joined Real Madrid from Tottenham back in 2012 and worked for a season under Mourinho before he made the Chelsea switch.
Reports have suggested that the two could be re-united at Stamford Bridge this summer but the Portuguese has confirmed Modric will remain in Spain.
Mourinho told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti: “I called Modric only privately but he doesn’t want [to join] Chelsea.
“You know I really appreciate Luka Modric and his qualities. But he stays in Real Madrid.”
Modric featured in 49 Real games last season scoring two goals and providing eight assists, while Manchester United have also been linked with a bid for the 28-year-old.
By Phil Wellbrook
