Luka Modric has made it absolutely clear that he wants to stay at Real Madrid beyond this season and expects a new contract to be agreed, after turning in a superb performance in the Spanish Super Cup win on Sunday night.
The 36-year-old scored the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, winning the Most Valuable Player award in the process.
He remains a hugely influential figure at Real, making 14 La Liga appearances so far this season, all of which have been in the starting XI.
However, his future has been unclear, with his contract coming to an end in the summer and no extension agreed as yet.
The former Tottenham star has been linked with a return to the Premier League with Manchester City, but he has now made it abundantly clear that he wants to stay at the Saniago Bernabeu and is certain that he can reach an agreement with the club.
"There is nothing, nothing better for me than being a Real Madrid player," he said. "I’m not thinking about the renewal now. The club knows what I desire. We will surely reach the agreement soon."
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has seemed relaxed about the situation with the Croatian, saying last month: "Luka has not yet signed his contract but he’s had a life-long contract with Real Madrid for a long time."
Club president Florentino Perez is also a huge admirer of the midfielder, saying the veteran could win a second Ballon d’Or this year after first claiming the prize in 2018.
" Modric has been in enviable form again this season," said Perez. "He is worthy of winning the Ballon d’Or again."