Luka Modrić says he “got angry” after Chelsea bid was blocked before Tottenham move

Luka Modrić has revealed Chelsea attempted to sign him before he joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 — and admits frustration and “a small conflict” with Dinamo Zagreb pushed him toward a Premier League move. Speaking to Croatian YouTube channel (Ne)uspjeh Prvaka, with his comments relayed via Sportske Novosti, the 40-year-old AC Milan midfielder opened up on a pivotal period in his career and how close he came to joining Spurs’ London rivals.

Modrić, who went on to become one of the greatest midfielders of his generation and the most decorated player in Real Madrid history, originally planned to remain longer at Dinamo Zagreb. But as key teammates left in successive transfer windows, he became disillusioned and began pushing for a move abroad.

Modrić explained that Chelsea were the first Premier League club to make a concrete offer. At the time, he still hoped to remain in Zagreb and help lead Dinamo to success, but the departures of several close friends and teammates forced him to reconsider.

“I didn’t mind staying longer because I wanted to stay at Dinamo,” he said. “But my best friend Čarli left, then Dudu left. Then it keeps happening — Vukojević and others. You start thinking, ‘Why are we saying we want to do something big if everyone is leaving?’”

He admitted he became “angry” as the club resisted his desire to move.

“I got into a small conflict with the club because I wanted to leave. Then Chelsea appeared, but the club didn’t want to let me go.”

Chelsea’s interest was genuine, and Modrić was keen — but Dinamo refused to sell to the Blues at the time. Everything changed when Tottenham made their approach.

By June 2008, Modrić was ready to leave Croatia and begin a new chapter. When Spurs contacted him, Dinamo were finally open to negotiations.

“When Tottenham contacted me in June, I immediately said I was leaving,” Modrić said. “I wanted to do something in Europe.”

The Croatian went on to spend four seasons at Tottenham, becoming one of the most elegant and influential midfielders in the Premier League. His consistency, vision and control made him central to Harry Redknapp’s side, eventually earning him a dream move to Real Madrid in 2012.

Modrić’s Chelsea story didn’t end in 2008. In 2011, after establishing himself as one of the league’s finest midfielders, Chelsea renewed their interest and pushed hard to sign him. Modrić confirmed he wanted the move.

“I wanted to go, maybe I shouldn’t have said it,” he admitted. “But I wanted to make a move.”

However, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was immovable.

“We had a frank conversation and he made it clear there was no chance of them letting me go,” Modrić said. “And I carried on as if nothing was happening.”

In hindsight, Modrić believes Levy’s firm stance altered the course of his career.

“It turned out even better, because there probably wouldn’t have been Real Madrid if I had gone to Chelsea, at least not soon.”

Modrić eventually joined Real Madrid in 2012 and went on to achieve one of the most decorated club careers in football history. He has won:

With 28 major trophies, Modrić became the most decorated player in Real Madrid’s storied history.

His journey — which might have taken him to Chelsea twice — instead produced one of the most successful and influential midfield careers the sport has seen.

Modrić’s revelations highlight just how narrow the margins were in his early career. Chelsea’s initial interest, Dinamo’s refusal, Tottenham’s timing and Levy’s firm stance in 2011 created a domino effect that ultimately led him to Real Madrid, where he became a Ballon d’Or winner and a modern legend.

Although some might wonder how Modrić would have performed at Chelsea, it’s worth questioning whether the environment, timing and tactical stability he found at Spurs were exactly what he needed before stepping onto the European elite stage. In our view, Tottenham became the perfect bridge — a club that trusted him, showcased his talent and prepared him for Madrid.

The biggest stars often emerge from moments of tension: blocked moves, frustration, or near-misses that push them to grow. Modrić’s story is a perfect example.

Modrić continues to play at elite level for AC Milan at age 40, still reflecting on small decisions that shaped one of football’s greatest careers.

👉 Would Modrić have become the same global superstar if he had joined Chelsea — or did Tottenham shape the player he became?