http://tinyurl.com/2hfgwy Modric: I Rejected Arsenal And I Want Barça Croatia star Luka Modric has revealed that he turned down Arsenal to stay at Dinamo Zagreb, but it's Barcelona he truly longs to play for After tearing England to shreds at Wembley last year, Croatia international midfielder Luka Modric has become one of the most talked about transfer targets in world football. But speaking to Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo, the Dinamo Zagreb man revealed that he turned down the chance to join Arsenal in the summer and would prefer a move to La Liga instead. “Yes, I was close to move to Arsenal," said Modric, who explained that he wanted to enjoy another year or two playing regular games in a less pressured environment before moving overseas. "Arsene Wenger tried to sign me at the same time that he signed my friend Eduardo, a great striker who I was sure would make a great placement for Thierry Henry." Rosicky Departure? Not content with that, the Croatian then claimed that he was to be brought in as a replacement for Czech player and current Gunners midfield man Tomasz Rosicky. "Rosicky could have left," said Modric of the former Dortmund man. "It was an honour that a manager like Wenger who works so well with the youngsters was interested in me, but I preferred to wait." Barcelona Ambitions Having spent another year in the Croatian league, Modric now feels he's mature enough to handle a big club abroad. He'd be happy to go anywhere, but nothing would top Catalan giants Barcelona. "I am prepared to play in any major league; La Liga; Serie A; Premier League or Bundesliga," he said. "But I must admit that the Spanish league is the one that attracts me the most. Playing for Barça must be something great. It is an honour to know they are following me and defending their colours would be a huge challenge.” -- Visca el Barca i visca Catalunya ! --

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