• Premier League

Ancelotti admits Modric admiration

ESPN staff
July 11, 2012
Carlo Ancelotti: "[Modric] is at this time one of the best midfielders in the world" © PA Photos
Enlarge

Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed his admiration for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric.

New Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas told reporters on Wednesday that Modric, 26, has expressed a desire to leave the club this summer and that talks with various clubs are ongoing.

Reports in France have suggested that PSG have agreed to meet Tottenham's asking price for the Croatia midfielder, but Ancelotti was loath to reveal any details of the matter.

"I know what you are most interested in at this time, but I have to disappoint you: I can't talk publicly about the transfer market," he told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti. "You have to understand and accept that, because it would be foolish on my part to talk openly about targets and activity with regard to high-quality players."

Asked whether that meant he would be unable to comment on Modric, he added: "There's nothing for me to say. For the most part that's because it's not my responsibility. It's an issue for the directors; I'm the coach."

Nonetheless, Ancelotti was quick to praise Modric, whose performances at Euro 2012 have drawn widespread acclaim.

"I must say that I didn't have to watch the European Championship to understand what kind of talent he has," he said. "I knew his capabilities before. Now he has confirmed it for those who didn't know, or appreciate, his quality.

"Modric is an outstanding player and in my opinion he is at this time one of the best midfielders in the world."

Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United are also believed to be keen to sign Modric.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices