Last Updated: 14th June 2012
TOTTENHAM are facing an exodus of star players.
Mod tops the bill
SLAVEN BILIC has claimed Croatia’s Luka Modric is better than Italy’s Andrea Pirlo.
As he prepared for tonight’s crunch, Croatia boss Bilic said: “Modric is at the same level as Pirlo, maybe even better.”
But Azzurri boss Cesare Prandelli pointed to his player’s superior medal haul.
He said: “To say Modric is stronger than Pirlo, well, he has to win something first.”
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Defender Vedran Corluka reckons playmaker Luka Modric will quit the club this summer with Manchester United and French side Paris St Germain ready to pay £30million.
Germans Schalke want Rafael van der Vaart and Corluka himself is unlikely to be heading back to White Hart Lane from his loan at Bayer Leverkeusen.
Corluka, 26, will play behind Modric for Croatia in tonight’s Euro 2012 Group C clash with Italy in Poznan.
He said: “We all know it will be very difficult for Spurs to keep Luka because they do not have Champions League football next season.
“Luka is one of the best players in the world and the kind who wants to play in the best competition.
“Not getting into the Champions League will cost Spurs next season. Even though they were unlucky to get fourth place and still not be there.
“I have followed the stories about Luka moving and that is just a reflection of what a great player he is.
“He showed some loyalty by staying at Spurs last season when other teams wanted him. I only wish Luka the best. If he wants to go fine.
“This tournament is a great chance for everyone to see how good Luka is.”
Chelsea took England’s fourth Champions League spot after beating Bayern Munich in the final.
It was a cruel blow for Spurs and one which looks like costing them much more than the estimated £35m from competing in Europe’s elite competition.
Corluka lost his right-back slot at Spurs to emerging England star Kyle Walker and is now set to quit the club for good after spending six months on loan in Germany.
He added: “I had a great time at Spurs but I don’t think I will be staying there. I want to play and have first-team football.”
Croatia are in a strong position after beating the Republic of Ireland.
Corluka said: “Italy are a very good side. We have watched them. The most dangerous are Di Rossi and Pirlo. They can force good opportunities.”
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