ALEXANDER ISAK fumed that “trust has been lost” with Newcastle in an explosive statement last night.
But former Tottenham star Luka Modric once released an even more damning statement and ended up staying at White Hart Lane.
GettyAlexander Isak is in a stand-off with Newcastle[/caption]
Luka Modric tried to leave Tottenham during the summer of 2011Action Images – Reuters
Modric, now 39, joined Spurs from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008.
The Croatian maestro went on develop into one of the best midfielders in the world during his stint in North London.
Real Madrid swooped for Modric in 2012, bringing his four-year spell in the Premier League to an end.
But it could have been very different for the silky operator, had he been allowed to sign for Chelsea 12 months earlier.
In the summer of 2011, following a stellar campaign at Spurs, Modric spoke to Chelsea chief Roman Abramovich aboard the oligarch’s luxurious yacht off the French Riviera.
Following that meeting Modric did the unthinkable by publicly announcing his intention to sign for Tottenham’s bitter rivals Chelsea.
The Croatian said: “I want to leave Tottenham as friends.
“I have enjoyed my time there, but now it is right for me to look at another club. I have an arrangement with the chairman.
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“When I signed my new contract, he said that, if another club came to sign me, they would consider the offer.
“Chelsea are a big club with an ambitious owner. They have great players and they have ambitions to fight for the title and win the Champions League.
“I want to stay in London. I am very happy here and so are my family. I like the city.”
Modric, who would go on to win the Ballon d’Or, added: “This is not about money, it is about ambition.
“When I came to England, I was dreaming about winning titles. That is still the same.
“Tottenham are a big club, with good players and a good manager, but I want to fight for the championship.
“Spurs will always have a place in my heart. My experiences in the Champions League have left me with the desire for more.”
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Chairman Daniel Levy stood firm with Modric, flat out refusing to flog him to Stamford Bridge.
The midfielder went on to knuckle down, but resisted attempts by Levy to extend his contract during the following season.
Following another excellent campaign, Modric went on to sign for Real Madrid.
The classy operator would spend 13 years at the Bernabeu; making 597 appearances, becoming captain and winning four league titles, six Champions Leagues and two domestic cups.
Modric signed for AC Milan earlier this summer, as he bids to have a top campaign ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Times Newspapers LtdThe Croatian went on to have another brilliant season at Spurs[/caption]
Times Newspapers LtdModric was expertly managed by Harry Redknapp at Tottenham[/caption]
Getty – ContributorThe midfield maestro signed for Real Madrid in 2012[/caption]
Isak, meanwhile, is locked in a stand-off with Newcastle.
Upon being named in the PFA Team of the Year last night, the Swede said: “I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time.
“To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
“When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.
“That’s where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.”
Newcastle went on to release a strong statement of their own, insisting that “no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer”.
The Toon’s statement then added: “Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his team-mates.”
Alexander Isak’s full statement
“I’m proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the season for 2024-25.
“First and foremost I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way.
“I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn’t feel right to be there.
“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time.
“To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
“When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.
“That’s where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.”
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