Kovacic: Best if I leave Madrid

Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic admits ‘it’s best if I go to another club, where I have the opportunity to play regularly as a starter.’

Kovacic joined Madrid from Inter in a €35m deal three years ago and has gone on to make 109 appearances for the club, winning three straight Champions League and a Liga title.

However, the Croatian started just 37 times in the League during that time, prompting him to concede ‘maybe I’m still too young to contribute fully’ at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“I’d like to play more for Madrid because I love football and being on the pitch,” he told Marca.

“I also know that it’s difficult to play as a starter at Madrid, especially because I was very young when I came here.

“I understand the situation, and that’s why I think it’s best if I go to another club, where I have the opportunity to play regularly as a starter.

“It’s an opportunity I think I can get and one I want right now. Every player is important at Real Madrid.

“However, the problem is that for a young player, it’s difficult to have continuity, and without that continuity I’ll never be able to show my full potential.

“When I don’t have clarity, I’m not happy. I’ve really enjoyed these three years at Madrid, with incredible teammates, winning trophies…

“However, I haven’t been entirely happy because my contribution to all that wasn’t to the maximum and it’s something I want to change.

“I don’t know the new Coach and I’ve never spoken to him, but I know we need to talk about my future.

“I’ve been at Madrid for three years, I haven’t played too much and it’s something that has affected my status in the national team.

“It’s something that doesn’t make me happy. That's why it’s best if I change teams. Real Madrid are an extraordinary team full of great players and maybe now I’m too young to contribute fully here. I don’t know…”

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