Luka Modric has insisted that he has 'no dispute' with Real Madrid despite being forced to accept to a reduced role in the early stages of the 2023-24 campaign.
The 37-year-old is no longer a guaranteed starter for Los Blancos, with Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham seemingly now all above him in the pecking order.
Modric has only started one of Real Madrid's four league matches this season, with his other three appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's side coming off the bench.
The midfielder has said that he is "completely calm" but has admitted that it has been "strange" not to be a guaranteed starter in the early stages of the new season.
"There are no disputes before and after the signing of the contract. Especially not from my side. Real expressed their wish to continue in spring, I had the same wish. We sat down and quickly agreed," Modric told Sportske Novosti.
"That's how it has been with Real for 12 years and it can't be changed. Our relationship is extraordinary. First of all, it's about how both the club and me, i.e. the coach and I, had clear conversations and agreements.
"My only condition for staying was to be treated as a competitive player, as I have been so far, and not to be kept in the squad on past merits. It was my wish that all players had the same starting position and that they could fight for their place.
"Just like from the first day at Real. That belief that they can contribute to the team is solid and based on the matches. I wanted to stay and when the club and the coach said that nothing would change in my status, I signed.
"Nobody is happy when they are out of the game. After all in my career, where I'm not sure I've ever been on the bench for three games in a row, I found that feeling especially strange. But hey, the coach had decided so for his reasons. I certainly won't sink or slump because of it.
"I spoke to Ancelotti recently and at his initiative. We have a very good relationship since his first term, as well as in this current one. I am completely calm, aware that I have to work myself as I have done so far and that sooner or later everything will fall into place.
"I am aware that we have a lot of competition in midfield, that these youngsters are top players, that's why they are at Real. And they have their own desires, motives and are looking for a place in the sun.
"There is absolutely no doubt that we, the seniors, must help them to progress and gradually assume the leading roles at the level that this club is ultimately looking for.
"We'll see how things develop in the remainder of the year. The most important thing is the interest of the team and I will act in that direction, as always. If it turned out that I was no longer important, then I would think about what to do next.
"I repeat, I did not stay for the sake of staying, but I want to play and enjoy football, like every day since I arrived at this fantastic club.
"Without false modesty, there have been offers before, as interest is constant. However, my fundamental vision has been, from 2012 until today, first and always Real."
Modric's deal at Bernabeu is due to expire next summer, and he is widely expected to seek pastures new ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. body check tags ::
