During the group stages of the World Cup, before Croatia knew the huge achievement ahead of them, Mateo Kovacic gave a big interview to Marca.
The Real Madrid midfielder told them he wanted out and had made his club aware. Frustrated with not being a major player for the Spanish club, Kovacic was determined to leave and get more prominence elsewhere.
It was a shock, the 24 year old made more than 30 appearances for Madrid last season, but with around half of those coming as a substitute the footballer wanted more.
There was a belief it was impacting him at international level too, and with the club unable to change his mind, Kovacic pushed through a loan move to Chelsea.
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has hinted he made it clear to Kovacic that a change was needed, helping the Chelsea transfer.
Clearly a big fan of Kovacic, the manager added: “He made a big move to change club. It’s a big thing leaving Real. He had a good status, a good deal, he won several times the Champions League. But he didn’t have enough time. I hope he plays at Chelsea, I think he will have more chance there than Real. His great quality and strength is that he left Real. Only constant games can make progress for him.”
Kovacic has started the past two matches for Chelsea, having come on as a substitute for his debut against Arsenal.
