Karim Benzema & Luka Modric Open to Real Madrid Contract Negotiations
By Tom Gott
Real Madrid duo Karim Benzema and Luka Modrić have confessed that they are keen to thrash out new contracts and extend their stays at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Benzema, whose deal still has two years left to run, remains a core part of Zinedine Zidane's starting lineup and was seen as an outside contender for the Ballon d'Or before this year's award was cancelled. However, Modrić's future remains in doubt as he has now entered the final year of his contract.
Of the pair, Benzema seems to be more relaxed about his future. He told Universo Valdano (via AS) that he is in no rush to sort out an extension, but he is always ready to pick up the phone if club president Florentino Pérez wants him to stay.
"I don't know how long I'll still be able to play at a high level, I go season by season," the 32-year-old confessed. "I have a contract until 2022 and we are going to see. Of course, I will always leave the door of my house open for Florentino."
As for Modrić, he recently told El Partidazo de COPE that he is hopeful of staying, but confessed that the decision does not rest with him.
Wary that Madrid may choose to move in a different direction, Modrić is thought to be willing to do whatever it takes to convince Los Blancos to offer him a new deal, with Marca adding that the midfielder is ready to slash his salary to get a deal done.
"I don't know [if Real will offer me a new contract," Modrić confessed. "I don't like to talk hypothetically.
"Sure, I would like to continue, but it does not depend on me, it depends on what the club and the coach want. I think I still have football to be important at Real Madrid. My wish would be to finish my career at Real Madrid but I don't want to be a problem. I am sure that we will reach an agreement, whatever it is, if I renew or if I go somewhere else. I feel at home."
Modrić, who turned 35 in September, has started three of Real's first four La Liga games of the season, suggesting he still has a place in Zidane's team.
However, as a result of his age, Real will already be planning for the future, with the likes of Manchester United's Paul Pogba and Rennes' Eduardo Camavinga often linked with moves to the Bernabéu. If either move comes off, it remains to be seen whether Modrić would still have a place or not.