Real Madrid’s Luka Modric buys minority stake in Swansea City | OneFootball

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Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric appears to be planning for his retirement from football by purchasing a minority stake in Swansea City.

The 39-year-old, whose contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of this season, has taken a non-controlling stake in the Championship side.

Modric has joined shareholders Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Nigel Morris and businessman Jason Cohen, after the four bought out former majority owners Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan last November. Levien and Kaplan’s eight-year tenure was marked by relegation from the Premier League, a lack of investment, and a managerial merry-go-round, which has continued so far this year as manager Luke Williams left in February.

Modric said: “This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level.

“Playing at the highest level, I believe I can provide my experience to the club. My goal is to support the club's growth in a positive way and to help to build an exciting future.”

The club said: “Luka's investment in the club is an endorsement of the club's ambition and vision. He will play a key role in helping the club garner global attention and progress both on and off the pitch.”

The Croatian national captain will continue to play for the Spanish giants alongside making his new move, with this believed to be his first foray into football ownership.

Swansea are 12th in the Championship and had flirted with relegation until a recent uptick in form under caretaker head coach Alan Sheehan, winning their last three games including a 1-0 win at promotion-chasing Sunderland last time out.

Modric played against Swansea twice during his four-year spell at Tottenham, drawing 1-1 in December 2011 at the Swans’ home ground, which was then known as Liberty Stadium, and winning 3-1 at home in April 2012.