Luka Modric tipped to PLAY for Swansea alongside being part-owner as Real Madrid legend's full role revealed
LUKA MODRIC is getting stuck in as he attempts to drive Swansea into the Premier League.
The six-time Champions League winner, who bought a stake in the Welsh club this summer, has no intention of taking a back-seat role.
Advertisement
5
Luka Modric could PLAY for Swansea City
Credit: Getty
5
He played against the Swans while at Tottenham
Credit: Getty
Play Dream Team now!
Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season Free to play
Over £100,000 in total prize money
Play in Mini Leagues against your mates
Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw
Play via Dream Team's app or website today!
While the 39-year-old has joined AC Milan after leaving Real Madrid, there is hope the Croatian star could end his career PLAYING for Swansea.
After starring under Jose Mourinho at the Bernabeu, he could go from the Special One to Special Swan!
But Modric has already helped Swans sign Zeidane Inoussa by calling the 23-year-old Swedish winger to sell the club to him. And he has been studying videos of games and providing feedback to boss Alan Sheehan.
Ahead of today's Championship opener at Middlesbrough, Swansea CEO Tom Gorringe revealed: 'Luka is looking at what he's going to do once he hangs up his boots.
Advertisement
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
'Difficult decision' Ex-Arsenal star forced to retire 24 hours before first game of season
'He's interested in the business side, the development of young players, the coaching and tactical side... and all aspects he hasn't been exposed to as a player.
'Already he's been helpful from a recruitment perspective, speaking to potential targets. Where he's got connections, he provides feedback and plays a part in helping us recruit.
'If you're trying to sign particularly a midfield player Luka can ring them to talk about our project.
'There's no greater endorsement for Swansea than him.'
Advertisement
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
Modric has been a Swansea admirer since he played against them for Tottenham in 2011-12 when Brendan Rodgers was boss in South Wales.
He was impressed with the 'Swansea Way' of playing which saw them spend seven seasons in the top flight. And even in the seven years since they were relegated, they have not sacrificed those principles.
Real Madrid give Luka Modric an emotional tribute at the Bernabeu
Gorringe said: 'When we met in Madrid, Luka told me there's a trend to recruit footballers with big physical presence. But he believes football is played with the head.
Advertisement
'Luka's a perfect role model when you consider the size he is and the career he's had — all from a humble background in the former Yugoslavia. He is passionate about helping others — and would be great if he could help us find the next Modric!
'In Spain, there's an affinity with Swansea because of our style and, with Luka being at Madrid for so long, he's got that.
'He lives it, feels it, breathes it and believes in the way we play.
5
Tom Gorringe has hailed Modric
Credit: Getty
Advertisement
5
Snoop Dogg is also involved in Swansea City
Credit: X/SwansOfficial
'Even our all-white kit is the same as Real Madrid. Now he wants to help us get to the next level.'
Modric plans to drop into Swansea's training ground to meet Sheehan's players and will also be talking to the squad and academy youngsters using Zoom and pre-recorded video.
While the Croat's involvement is real coup for Swans the addition of megastar Snoop Dogg takes it to another level.
Advertisement
The rapper's social media following on five major platforms is 194.5MILLION alone!
And Swans insist clubs of their size need to follow the example of Wrexham with Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and Birmingham, who have NFL legend Tom Brady among their backers, to have any chance of competing at the top level.
Gorringe said: 'Our turnover is one of the lowest in the Championship.
'We've got a hugely passionate local fan base with decent attendances and good support from sponsors.
Advertisement
'But that can only get you so far. Profit and sustainability rules now focus on generating your own income rather than be bankrolled by a wealthy benefactor.
'The reality is Wrexham's commercial revenue when they were in League Two was £20m. Last year, ours was £2.6m.
'That shows you the gap we've got to try to close.'
Gorringe also believes that having a colourful character such as Snoop Dogg is exactly what the game needs.
Advertisement
He said: 'Football is media training everyone within an inch of their lives so all you get is vanilla answers.
'Everyone of a certain age remembers characters back in the day like Paul Gascoigne, people with real personalities. We want to do things properly but also have fun along the way and be something that resonates with people across the world.'
Meanwhile, boss Sheehan says he will be using Modric and Snoop Doog to inspire him and his players.
He said: 'They're both elites in their field. It would be naive if I didn't think I could learn from these highly successful people.
Advertisement
'I've heard about Snoop's work-rate and the hours he does. Success isn't an accident, it's just right behaviours and actions over a long course of time.
'And with Luka he's a genius of a footballer and a role model. He's all action and little talk.
'My first question to him when he leaves Milan is, 'Can you sign for us!' Even at his age, he's still incredible.'
5
Advertisement
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
a few seconds ago
- The Irish Sun
Chelsea wonderkid Reggie Walsh, 16, goes head-to-head with Luka Modric, 39, just days before getting GCSE results
The teenager became the youngest player to make his European debut for Chelsea earlier this year BOY WONDER Chelsea wonderkid Reggie Walsh, 16, goes head-to-head with Luka Modric, 39, just days before getting GCSE results REGGIE WALSH is the latest young superstar to have emerged from the Chelsea academy - and he went toe-to-toe with a legend on Sunday. Born in October 2008, the midfielder made his debut for the Blues in the Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgardens last season. 4 Reggie Walsh featured for Chelsea against AC Milan in a friendly on Sunday Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 Walsh played against the likes of Luka Modric Credit: Getty He came off the bench late in the clash for a two-minute cameo, becoming the third-youngest Chelsea first-team player ever behind Ian Hamilton and Kingsley Whiffen. Walsh then became the club's youngest-ever European starter the following week in the second leg. He was named in the line-up alongside the likes of Reece James, Jadon Sancho and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Stamford Bridge. The 16-year-old was preparing for his GCSEs when he made his full debut. At the time, head coach Enzo Maresca said: "His talent is very good. Technique is fantastic. I really like him. Between the lines is good, you can see immediately he has something. "For sure at 17, 18, he needs to work hard and continue. I like also the personality, he's worked with us during the season. "He's not shy, he's asking for the ball, he's shouting and talking. I like it, he's a good player." Walsh missed out on a place in Chelsea's travelling Club World Cup squad earlier this summer. But he was handed some minutes during the club's final pre-season friendly against AC Milan on Sunday. The teenager shared the pitch with Real Madrid icon and six-time Champions League winner Luka Modric, who is 23 years older than him, during the 4-1 win. Chelsea star Jorgenson pranks team-mate on live TV after Bayer Leverkusen clash as even Cole Palmer won't take trophy 4 Walsh made his first start for the Blues in May Credit: Getty It came just 11 days before he is due to receive his GCSE results. Due to his age, Walsh is currently unable to sign a professional contract. He will likely pen his first pro deal when he turns 17 in October. Walsh joined Chelsea at the age of seven and progressed through the age groups before making his first-team debut last season. He spent much of the 2024-25 campaign playing for the Under-18s. The midfielder scored four goals and provided two assists for the U18s last term. He has also made 11 appearances for England at youth level.
The Irish Sun
31 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd plotting secret friendly just days before Premier League season kicks off
MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly considering a secret friendly just days before the Premier League season kicks off. United travelled to Asia in a bizarre post-season tour in May before games in Europe and America throughout the summer. 3 Man Utd are reportedly considering a secret friendly just days before Prem season kicks off Credit: Reuters Fiorentina's trip to Old Trafford over the weekend looked to be United's final game before kicking off their Prem season against Arsenal. But according to The Times, the club are exploring the viability of a behind-closed-doors friendly against a local rival this week. It would give new £74million signing Benjamin Sesko more 'real world' training as he begins life in England. Manager Ruben Amorim also has a goalkeeping decision to make. READ MORE ON MAN UTD RED ALERT Inside Sesko's first day at Man Utd - but fans not convinced by his car Andre Onana is still out with a hamstring injury and faces missing the opening match of the season at Old Trafford on Sunday. So Amorim may have to call upon Altay Bayindir - who is unproven with just FOUR appearances in the Prem. But a friendly in private would give the United boss the chance to test out Onana's fitness. United have been linked with signing a new keeper this summer - with Emi Martinez and Gianluigi Donnarumma among those considered. 3 CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Martinez appeared to wave goodbye to Aston Villa fans at the end of last season with his eyes on a move away. Meanwhile Donnarumma has just one year left on his PSG deal and does not look likely to extend it - with the French champions ready to sell. Behind the scenes of Benjamin Sesko's first day at Man Utd, from meeting team-mates to interview But United have spent £210million on three new forwards this summer and will need to now sell in order to add to their squad. United signed Andre Onana in 2023 from Inter Milan for £47m after David de Gea was not offered a new deal. De Gea later joined Fiorentina and returned to the Theatre of Dreams for a friendly - and backed United to turn things around this season. He said: 'Sometimes this is football, you can't win all the time. 'I know it's been some years that United struggle a bit but it's one of the best clubs in the world. "It's a massive club and hopefully this year with the new signings and the manager starting a new era they can do something big and that's it. "Hopefully this year they can win something and be there where they deserve.'
The 42
32 minutes ago
- The 42
Arne Slot: No ‘bad intention' in Palace fan noise during Diogo Jota tribute
LIVERPOOL HEAD COACH Arne Slot played down the interruption of the minute's silence in memory of Diogo Jota by Crystal Palace fans ahead of the Community Shield at Wembley. Tributes were paid to former Reds forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash with his brother Andre Silva last month and were honoured with wreaths laid on the pitch and a period of silence before kick-off. A minority of Eagles fans broke the silence, eliciting a strong response at the other end of the pitch, as well as from other Eagles supporters who tried to silence those not respecting the tribute. 'I don't think this was planned, or that this was the idea of the fan that made some noise. Maybe he wasn't aware of the fact that it was the minute of silence,' Slot said. 'He was just still happy and tried to cheer for his team. And I think then the fans of Palace were trying to calm that person or those persons down, so I don't think he had a bad intention, the guy or people that made noise. Advertisement 'They tried to calm him down, but that was a bit noisy as well. And then our fans reacted, 'Hey, what's happening here?'. 'So I don't think there's a bad intention to it, because the fans of Crystal Palace and everywhere around the world have paid huge respect to Diogo and Andre and this was, I think, unlucky or, I can't find the right words, but I don't think there was a bad intention in it. 'We will see Friday, when Bournemouth come to our stadium, how respectful that is going to happen. 'It's also five weeks ago, so that's why maybe this fan who was just so happy for them to be in the Community Shield that he forgot in a second.' Liverpool fans earlier paid their respects with a rousing rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' as the wreaths were brought out, raising a white banner reading 'Diogo J' and featuring the forward's image and number 20. The club's record goalscorer Ian Rush, Palace chairman Steve Parish and Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt laid the wreaths in the Liverpool end as fans from both sides showed their respect with a standing ovation as the siblings' images were displayed on the big screens inside the stadium. Meanwhile, Slot accepts his team must tighten up defensively if they are to stand a chance of retaining their Premier League title. Despite twice taking the lead in the Community Shield, sloppy defensive play through the middle allowed Crystal Palace to equalise both times and that led to penalties, which the Eagles won 3-2. Questions have already been raised over whether Slot needs to bring in another centre-back – they have been linked with Palace's Marc Guehi, who is in the final year of his contract – as the sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen has left him with just three in that position with Joe Gomez injured. Liverpool have not kept a clean sheet in pre-season, conceding 10 times in five senior games – including four against AC Milan – and Slot knows it is an area that needs attention. 'It's a bit mixed feelings. If you look at our attacking play against a team who is so compact, it is maybe a bit better than last season,' Slot told TNT Sports. 'But on the other hand we conceded two goals, which we did against Bilbao and two more against Milan and that's something we need to do better. 'I think we are able to create more now but we are conceding more at the moment and if you want to compete to win the league, one of the things is not to concede chances, let alone goals.'
