Ferdinand Almost Convinced Modric to Join Man Utd Before Madrid Move

• Rio Ferdinand has revealed how he almost convinced Luka Modric to join Manchester United in 2012
• Modric left Tottenham for Madrid but could have joined Manchester United after talks with Ferdinand
• The Croatian has gone on to become one of the best midfielders of his generation at Real Madrid

Football transfers are very complicated businesses with a lot of twists, unexpected happenings and last minute changes that influence the decision of which club to sign for.

Players mostly receive many offers ahead of a move and sometimes career progression, money or little recommendation from friends or past players help in decision making.

Luka Modric left Tottenham Hotspur for Real Madrid in 2012 after just four years in London for a reported fee of £30m as revealed by BBC Sports.

Real Madrid were not the only interested club and former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed how he almost convinced Modric to switch to Manchester.

Portugal World Cup Squad 2022: Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing this World Cup?

Football

Agent Rio almost did it

Ferdinand speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel as quoted by Daily Mail revealed his role in speaking to players linked to Manchester.

“I spoke to him before he went to Real Madrid, because that’s what I used to do, I was the player agent, I was agent Rio before I retired,” he said.

The tough defender said the Ballon dOr winner was interested in a move and asked him if he can make it happen but it never happened.

“I said, “Listen, you’ve got to come to United, man” and he said, ''Yeah, listen, I want to be the first Croatian to play for Man United, I want to be that guy, can we make it happen? But it didn’t happen.” he added.

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer: Is CR7 leaving Manchester United and which clubs are likely to acquire him?

Football

Modric is one of the best midfielders of his generation winning multiple laurels at Madrid including football's utmost individual prize, the Ballon d'Or in 2018.

Modric gracious in defeat

Luka Modric missed the chance to lift the World Cup for Croatia after losing 3-0 to Argentina in the semi-final but was gracious even in defeat.

Sports Brief earlier reported Modric had concerns about the officiating in the match but wished Messi well regardless.

Modric will lead Croatia out for the third place match later today against Morocco, possibly for the last time in a FIFA World Cup match.