Croatia international Luka Modric agreed to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2012 after becoming one of the best players in the Premier League during his spell at Tottenham.

A prodigiously talented attacking midfielder Modric signed for his first club, Dinamo Zagreb, in 2002 at the tender age 16. After an impressive season on loan with Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar, where he was named Player of the Year for 2002, he quickly established himself as a key part of the Dinamo squad and played an instrumental role in the club's three successive league title triumphs.

The £16.5 million playmaker completed the move to Tottenham in July after competing in the European Championships where he played an important role in Croatia reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament.

The skilful midfielder struggled in an unsuitable deep-lying defensive role under Spurs manager Juande Ramos but the arrival of new boss Harry Redknapp saw the little Croatian rediscover his best form in an attacking role and he went from strength to strength. A broken leg halted his progress in 2009 but, by December, Modric was back orchestrating the Spurs attack as the club finished fourth in the Premier League and booked a place in the Champions League.

His performances saw Chelsea bid £22 million for his services in June 2011, but tied to a five-year contract, he was not allowed to leave Spurs. However, with the club failing to get into the Champions League, Modric put his foot down and forced through a move to Real Madrid who paid a reported £29 million for his services the following summer.

Strengths: Quick with or without the ball, able to change the course of the game with a deft pass or long-range effort.

Weaknesses: Slight of stature he can struggle to shine against some of the more physical sides in the Premier League.

Career high: Winning his third Croatian league title with Dinamo Zagreb and being named Player of the Year in 2007.

Career low: Breaking his leg against Birmingham City in August 2009

Style: Skilful, creative, classy, a playmaker with immense vision.

Quotes: "He is a very special player and any top club would want him. He has made the right choice in Spurs. They will give him the time he needs to flourish." Croatia boss Slaven Bilic.

Trivia: Modric was included in the UEFA Team of the Tournament following Euro 2008.