#15 It all went sour at White Hart Lane
Things may have cooled down now with Modric loving life in the Spanish capital and Tottenham enjoying a good run in England’s top flight, but the process of the Croatian leaving the North London club were more awkward than both parties would’ve liked.
In the summer of 2012, Modric made it clear that he desired a move to Real Madrid but Tottenham were perhaps understandably, reluctant to let their star man depart. The club was adamant that Madrid must pay £40 million to secure his services and, with Tottenham indirectly blocking the move, Modric refused to train one Friday, meaning Andre Villas-Boas and company had to fine him two-weeks’ wages which amounted to £80,000.
Modric would eventually make the switch for £30 million but bitterness consumed the Tottenham faithful.