Luka Modric was unveiled a Real Madrid player OTD 8 years ago, here's what happened since

Having clinched ir 32nd LaLiga title against mighty Pep Guardiola-led Barcelona, Real Madrid were building a team that would go on to win four Champions League titles in five years. Just two days before Spanish Super Cup final, Luka Modric, a shrewd signing, was unveiled on this day, August 27, 2012, under watchful eye of Jose Mourinho, though curiously devoid of much buzz. Croatian midfielder went on to achieve immense glory with Los Blancos and continues to do so. 

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Luka Modric career exhibits crests and troughs

Luka Modric moved to Real Madrid for a reported fee of £30 million (€33m), having established himself as one of prominent players for Spurs during his four-season stay at White Hart Lane. However, his initial days at Santiago Bernabeu were bruised with struggle. Modric mand just 19 appearances until winter break, averaging 38 minutes per game. His unimpressive form brought him tag of 'worst signing of season', as voted by fans in Spain.

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Luka Modric career stats at Real Madrid read beyond exceptional 

However, things took a turn for better with Luka Modric emerging as a prominent star under subsequent manrs Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane. Modric reached peak of his career under French club legend. Zidane relied completely on Croatian in heart of midfield, alongside Toni Kroos and Casemiro. 

Luka Modric began receiving praise for untiring efforts he put in across length and breadth of field. Having completed eight seasons at Bernabeu, midfield maestro has mand 343 matches for Real Madrid. He still assumes a key role under Zidane, having seen a kind of redemption past season, after a dismal 2018-19 campaign. 

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Luka Modric career boasts a World Cup Golden Ball triumph 

Luka Modric's career highlights cant be complete without mentioning his extraordinary performance during 2017-18 season. Having clinched third consecutive Champions League title, beating Liverpool, Modric guided Croatia to ir first-ever World Cup final. Though Croatia could t survive France, losing final 4-2, Modric stood out individually amongst or stalwarts. His efforts in glorious competition were rewarded with Golden Ball award by FIFA.

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Luka Modric career highlights: Ballon d'Or triumph in 2018

His impressive run of form for both Real Madrid and Croatia bagged him Ballon d'Or in 2018. With highest hour in football, Luka Modric became first player to win title or than Cristia Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in over a decade. AC Milan and Real Madrid legend Kaka had last won it in 2007.

As Modric edges closer to final few years in professional football, midfielder has established a legacy of his own, t only at Real Madrid but also with national team. Croatian boasts four Champions League titles, two LaLigas and three Spanish Super Cups. Having mand 1,999 minutes in LaLiga previous season, Modric's contract with LaLiga champions runs out next summer and maestro is keen on a pay-cut to extend his stay at least for a couple more years.

Im courtesy: Real Madrid Twitter/Luka Modric Instagram