Luka Modric: 'I would love to end my career at Real Madrid'

Luka Modric has reiterated his desire to see out the rest of his career at Real Madrid and has given his full backing to boss Zinedine Zidane.

The Croatia international is due to be out of contract at the Bernabeu at the end of the season and can discuss a free transfer from January.

Madrid are believed to have held off from opening talks with Modric over a new deal, despite rumoured interest from the likes of Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur.

Modric has previously stated that he has no plans to move on next summer and, ahead of Madrid's Champions League meeting with Inter on Wednesday, has stressed that his priority is to stay in the Spanish capital.

"I feel good, I feel strong, and I still have plenty of football in my legs and strengths to continue, but let's see what happens in the future," he told reporters. "A lot of people are talking and ask about my situation but let's see what happens.

"I'm calm. I just want to help the team like always. I've said many times and I'll say it again, I'm very happy at Madrid and I'd love to end my career here, but let's see what happens.

"Maybe you thought my answer was a bit cold because I've been asked many times and I've said the same answer many times. I feel good and I want to stay at Madrid for as long as I feel I can help the team.

"Who wouldn't want to end their career at Real Madrid? But it depends on a lot of things. But there is no-one who'd be happier than me to continue at Real Madrid."

Asked about the future of Zidane, whose job has repeatedly been called into question during his second spell in charge, Modric gave his full support to the Frenchman.

"It's not just recently we've defended the coach - we've always defended him since he came to Real Madrid," he said.

"Every time they ask us about him, the criticism he receives, of course we're with him. We've never doubted him. We've won many things together and we hope this continues in the future.

"It's normal we defend our coach; it's always been like that. We've won many things with him and I hope we continue to win things."

Modric has been used 12 times by Madrid in all competitions this season and may play a part against Inter.