• Premier League

Modric 'disappointed' by Chelsea rebuff - Van der Vaart

ESPN staff
July 7, 2011
Rafael van der Vaart claims Luka Modric likes to play with the current Tottenham squad © PA Photos
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Rafael van der Vaart has revealed Luka Modric is "a little bit disappointed" that he was not given the chance to talk to Chelsea, but the Croatian remains happy at Tottenham.

Van der Vaart spoke on Thursday after taking part in a training session with Modric, who had been the subject of a £22 million bid from Chelsea. The diminutive schemer held crunch talks over his future with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy on Wednesday evening, when Modric was told in no uncertain terms that he will not be sold.

The player's agent has since ruled out the possibility that Modric will now hand in an official transfer request to force a move, which would suggest that Tottenham have their pivotal midfielder for at least another 12 months.

Van der Vaart candidly revealed that there was disappointment on the face of his team-mate, but he is convinced the Croatian still feels plenty of love for the White Hart Lane club.

"He was happy to see us, but maybe a little bit disappointed," Van der Vaart told Sky Sports News. "I can understand it, it's not easy when a club wants to buy you. Sometimes it's good to change your club.

"But I think he's happy here and he told me he likes to play with us, and I'm pleased he's staying."

Asked if he got the feeling Modric wanted to move to Chelsea, Van der Vaart replied: "I don't know, that's not what he told me. He loves to stay here, in London, and now we have a good chance next season to win against Chelsea!

"We want to be in the top four again and to do that we need to keep the best players."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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