Since leaving Tottenham five years ago, Luka Modric has established himself as a key player for Real Madrid.
The Croatian midfielder has helped the team to three Champions League titles in four years. Before their triumph over Juventus in Cardiff at the end of last season, he also became a La Liga champion for the first time.
Despite being 31, it doesn’t appear Modric’s time at Real will be coming to an end any time soon. His contract runs for another three years, and his performances over the last few seasons will see him start the new campaign with a new number on his back.
Having worn 19 since his arrival, he now inherits the number ten shirt vacated by James Rodriguez, who has moved to Bayern Munich on a two-year loan.
Although many expected Isco to inherit James’ number, the club’s official website appears to have confirmed the news.
The news has gone down well with the club’s supporters, many of which are confident Modric has all the talent needed to rid the ten shirt of a supposed curse…
https://twitter.com/fatimafsays/status/888664475255091200
Modric is going to retire at Real Madrid. Forget about the number 10 curse
— A. R (@_AhmadRufai) July 22, 2017
Luka modric is the new @realmadrid number 10. I knew it coming! Well deserve, but hope he'll break the curse 🙏🏼
— Artama (@eghartama) July 22, 2017
Not everyone’s comfortable with the idea, however…
Luka Modric should stay away from that 10 shirt. It's been cursed since a pig head was thrown at Figo
— Madridistahaven (@MadridistaHaven) July 13, 2017
Talk of a curse relates to those that have worn the shirt since Luis Figo’s departure in 2005. Figo joined the club from arch rivals Barcelona, and enjoyed a successful spell with the club while wearing 10.
However, some Real supporters have suggested that those that have worn the number since Figo – some incredibly gifted players such as Wesley Sneijder and Robino- have failed to reach the levels they should’ve reached.
