In an unexpected turn of events, football icon Luka Modric, aged 39, has ventured into club ownership, acquiring a minority stake in Swansea City, a Championship team. This move marks a surprising chapter in the illustrious career of the Real Madrid midfielder.
Details regarding the precise percentage of ownership and the financial investment made by Modric remain undisclosed. However, it`s confirmed that this new venture will not interfere with his playing career, as the veteran player has no immediate plans for retirement.
As his contract with Real Madrid approaches its summer expiry, discussions about a potential extension are reportedly underway. Modric is now set to join an ownership group at Swansea, alongside Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Nigel Morris, and Jason Cohen.
Upon the announcement, Modric expressed his enthusiasm: “This is a thrilling opportunity. Swansea boasts a rich identity, passionate supporters, and a drive to reach the top tier of competition.”
He further added, “Having competed at the highest levels, I believe my experience can be valuable to the club. My aim is to contribute positively to the club`s development and be part of building a bright future.”
Tom Gorringe, Swansea CEO, also shared his excitement, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Luka as an investor and co-owner. His exemplary career sets a high standard for all our players, from young academy prospects to the first team.”
Gorringe continued, “His support for our goals and his commitment to our progress will be crucial as we strive for better results both on and off the field. His passion for the club, understanding of our performance, and genuine desire to help us improve have been evident in our discussions. I eagerly anticipate working more closely with him to move forward.”
Swansea City underwent a change in majority ownership last November when Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan sold their majority stake to a group led by American businessman Andy Coleman, ending their eight-year tenure.
Coleman, upon taking control, promised a “new era” for the club, expressing his ambition to return Swansea to the Premier League after their relegation in 2018. He emphasized the need for Swansea to operate above the standards of a typical Championship club to enhance revenue.
Coleman explained, “The new partners at Swansea City share my dedication to pushing this club to its full potential. We hope to connect with our fans, rebuild trust, and collaborate on this fresh start. Our goal is to create a sustainable football club, minimizing risks associated with football`s fluctuating economics.”
He concluded, “While reaching the Premier League is a collective dream, we are committed to achieving it sustainably to ensure our long-term presence there. I am personally very enthusiastic about the future and excited to see where we can go.”
Currently, Swansea is positioned 12th in the Championship standings, trailing the play-off spots by eight points with only four games remaining this season. The team is currently under the interim management of Alan Sheehan following the departure of Luke Williams in March.
Luka Modric`s investment in Swansea has surprised many fans, given his legendary status and achievements, including multiple Champions League and LaLiga titles with Real Madrid.
Fan reactions online have ranged from “extremely random” to “one of the weirdest things I have ever seen,” highlighting the unexpected nature of this career move for the celebrated footballer.
