Transfer Rumour Unconfirmed · Early speculationFootball.LondonUnverified source· 8 Aug 2026
Modric's 2012 Spurs exit: missed flight to force Real move
A modern Tottenham icon once refused to board a pre-season flight to force a blockbuster transfer.
L. Modrić
player
Who
Luka Modric
What
Intentionally missed team flight for US pre-season tour
When
2012
Where
Tottenham Hotspur
Consequence
Fined two weeks' wages
What happened. In 2012, Luka Modric deliberately missed Tottenham's pre-season tour flight to the United States to force a move to Real Madrid, a transfer that was completed by the end of August.
- Modric was fined two weeks' wages for missing the flight.
- Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho identified him as a key target.
- He had previously attempted to force a move to Chelsea a year earlier.
The story highlights Modric's controversial exit from Spurs, which remains a talking point for fans.
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