Luka Modric is living the good life right now.
Cristiano Ronaldo left a massive void both on and off the pitch at Real Madrid after his big-money move to Juventus.
Not only was the 33-year-old a machine on the pitch, he was just as crucial to Los Blancos off it, with his famous No7 shirt constantly the number one seller at the club.
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After losing Ronaldo’s significant financial benefits, Madrid may well look to bring in a new Galactico, with rumours of a move for Eden Hazard, Kylian Mbappe or Neymar, all rife.
The Champions League winners however might already have their latest cash cow on their books.
According to Spanish publication AS, Modric has toppled Ronaldo as Madrid’s biggest shirt seller.
The Croatian talisman is the name on everyone’s lips right now following his remarkable form at the World Cup, when he was instrumental in guiding his country to the final.
Modric was rightly recognised as the best player at the World Cup, and picked up the Golden Ball after the tournament.
The official figures haven’t been released yet, however according to AS, staff at the club shop insist that the 32-year-old’s No10 shirt has been the most requested since Ronaldo’s departure.
The news of his impressive shirt sales is something that could never have been predicted in the early stages of his Madrid career after his move from Spurs.
Madrid parted with £30million for Modric in 2012 and the Croatian endured a slow start to his career in Spain.
Spanish publication Marca even ran a poll for supporters which resulted in Modric being labelled the worst signing of the season.
The Croatian talisman received a whopping 32.2 per cent of the votes to confirm his position as the worst La Liga arrival of the season.
He was even ranked worst than former Arsenal man Alex Song…
Awkward.
After the vote, Modric admitted to Croatian newspaper Sportske that he was struggling to adapt to life at Madrid, but was determined to change the fan’s opinions.
He said: “I’m not making excuses, I am not that kind of person.
“It is very challenging to adapt to life at a big club like Madrid.
“I believe that I can prove I have something to offer.”
He’s proved that and more.
The stark contrast in Modric’s fortunes shows how quickly football can change and the fickle nature of Madrid fans. Who would have thought it?
Everyone loves Modric now.
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