• Premier League

Kranjcar blasts Spurs chief over Modric transfer

ESPN staff
July 27, 2012
Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar during their time at Spurs © Getty Images
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Former Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar has hit out at club chairman Daniel Levy, describing his public comments as "lies" and condemning the club for their handling of Luka Modric's proposed move to Real Madrid.

Kranjcar, who left White Hart Lane for Dynamo Kiev last month, has backed Modric's stance as he attempts to force a move to the Bernabeu. Modric refused to travel with his Spurs team-mates on their pre-season tour of the United States this week, and Kranjcar insists the decision was understandable given previous promises made by Levy.

"I know that the chairman talked to [Modric] face to face last autumn," Kranjcar is quoted as saying in the Mirror. "He promised Luka he would let him go, and now he's condemning him.

"Levy did everything to protect the interest of the club and make a profit. He has also used lies to deceive the public, which is allowed in business, but if you were in Luka's shoes, you would probably do the same as him.

"To have an offer from Real Madrid is a once-in-a-career opportunity. I'd do anything to get to Santiago Bernabeu, playing for Real Madrid is the greatest privilege in any footballer's career, even if I prefer Barcelona. That's why I understand Luka."

Kranjcar also criticised Levy's handling of his own transfer, as well as that of Dimitar Berbatov, claiming "Dynamo Kiev is a bigger club than Spurs".

"In my three years at White Hart Lane, I never had lunch or a serious talk with the president. There was no need. It's not customary for bosses to invite you for a cup of coffee, even if you're their next-door neighbour like I was, in Cuffley.

"I know from my own experience how difficult these people are and how hard it is to break out of a contract with them.

"Remember Berbatov? And it was the same with me: they held me back for two years, until finally my new club paid what they were asking, and not a pound less.

"That is their speciality: they set unreasonably high transfer demands, but the absurd thing is they always get what they ask for.

"Kiev is not London, but it is very good for city life, and the football teams are very strong. Dynamo Kiev is big on tradition and the fans, and though lots of people will say it's not like Tottenham, if you look at history, Dynamo Kiev is a bigger club than Spurs," Kranjcar said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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