Modric will sign a new Madrid contract only on merit

Luka Modric did not negotiate a contract with Real Madrid and promised to stay at the club only on merit.

The Croatia captain’s contract in Madrid expires at the end of this season, but he wants to stay with the La Liga, European and Club World Cup champions.

Midfielder Modric revealed on the eve of the Champions League round of 16 opener match against Liverpool that there had been no change in regards to his future.

The long-serving 37-year-old reiterated that he would not stay at the Santiago Bernabéu unless he felt he could make a significant contribution.

He said: “I can’t say anything about the extension because I haven’t spoken to the club. I am very calm. I always repeat the same thing. I want to continue here. I feel good and want to continue in Madrid.

“I have to speak up and know what the club thinks. I want to earn a sequel, not give [a new deal] as a gift. Nobody ever gave me anything. I want to continue from merit.

“Nothing can change my attitude or my thoughts about the club. Madrid is the club of my life and no one can break it or change it.

“I have been here for 11 years and I know that the demand is at its highest. A lot of things are said from the outside, it’s normal, because this is the best club in the world. Tony [Kroos] and I played together before the World Cup, and now it seems that we can’t.

“We have won a lot. It doesn’t bother me, I’m used to it. We have to do a good job.”

Liverpool have endured a difficult season but will face Los Blancos on a wave of back-to-back Premier League victories over neighbors Everton and Newcastle United.

Modric is well aware of the challenges Real Madrid face in Merseyside.

He said: “We are in for a very important, very tough game against a very good opponent in a historic stadium with amazing fans and a lot of pressure.

“We have to play well to get a positive result in the second leg. We have to be at the highest level, be together and help each other.”