Modric: It's particularly strange for me not to be playing

The Croatian has spent a lot of time on the bench to start 2023/24

Luka Modric has said that it feels strange to be missing out on minutes, following just one start for Real Madrid in 2023/24.

The Croatian is currently away on international duty but has experienced a culture shock in Spain after going from regular starter to sat on the sidelines.

Modric is out of contract in 2024 and, at the age of 37, it appears that Real Madrid could be preparing for life without the midfielder after signing Jude Bellingham.

«I'm aware that we have a lot of competition in midfield, that these young players are top players, that's why they are at Real Madrid,» Modric said to Sportske Novosti.

«We older players must help them to progress and gradually take on roles.

»I will work to be among the main players this season."

Although aware of his role as a mentor in the Real Madrid camp, he did note that he has no intention of being a bit-part player and would not have extended if he wasn't assured he could compete for a spot.

«They wanted me to stay and I had the same desire,» he continued.

«My only condition to stay was that they would treat me as a competitive player, and that they would not keep me in the squad based on past merit.

»I was told that nothing would change in my status, and that's why I signed.

«Nobody is happy when they don't play. After my whole career, that feeling is particularly strange for me.

»But, well, the coach decided [not to start me] for his own reasons. I won't get down because of that."

Modric made 33 LaLiga appearances in 2022/23, with a further 10 in the UEFA Champions League.

The season was a tough one for the club, who were cut adrift from Barcelona in the league and eliminated by Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate