Real Madrid Playmaker Luka Modric Proud to Be Wearing the No.10 Shirt Next Season
Luka Modric has said that he will take 'great pride' in wearing Real Madrid's number 10 shirt next season.
Modric was speaking to Marca after he was awarded the number 10 shirt following the departure of James Rodriguez.
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The Croatian decided to switch from the number 19 shirt to the iconic number 10, when news broke that it had become available after the Colombian's departure to Bayern Munich:
"Many great players have taken that number," said Modric.
"I was not thinking about changing but when the opportunity arose I liked it."
"I like the number and I have worn it before with Croatia and Dinamo Zagreb, but it is not the number that decided what happens on the pitch."
Modric will wear the number 10 for his fifth season at Real Madrid after becoming one of the most important players in the Real squad.
The Croatian moved to the Santiago Bernabéu in 2012 for £25m from Tottenham Hotspur and has since made over 140 appearances for the Spanish giants.
During that time he has helped his side win La Liga, a Copa del Rey and three Champions League titles, and as such has earnt the chance to wear the iconic number ten.
Despite being 31-years-old the midfielder played an influential part in Madrid's historic double-winning campaign as they retained the Champions league title.
He made 36 appearances in La Liga and the Champions League for the Galacticos last season, scoring once and providing three assists, although his defensive work is what he is valued so highly for.
Modric predominantly played as a central midfielder alongside Toni Kroos last season. Despite being given the number 10, usually given to an attacking midfielder, he is expected to maintain this role in the upcoming campaign.
