Modric questioned in Zagreb graft case
ZAGREB: Real Madrid midfield star Luka Modric has been questioned by Croatian prosecutors over a multimillion-euro corruption case involving former high-ranking Dinamo Zagreb officials, a report said on Tuesday.
Modric — who is not suspected of any wrongdoing — had already been questioned by anti-graft prosecutors (USKOK) in Zagreb in September 2015 and his testimony was considered key in the case.
At the time local media reported Modric was questioned on the financial details of his 2008 transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. From there he joined Real Madrid.
‘SAKHO DOPING CASE HORRENDOUS’
PARIS: The doping case that caused Mamadou Sakho to miss Euro 2016 was “horrendous” for the defender, the French football president said Tuesday, days after the Liverpool man was cleared.
Sakho was left out of France’s European Championship squad after he tested positive for a fat-burning product following a Europa League tie against Manchester United in March.
He served an initial 30-day suspension that was not extended when it expired in late May as UEFA launched an investigation into whether the substance Sakho took should be on the banned list.
Noel Le Graet told reporters that the centre-back “wants to get back playing as soon as possible without talking about the case”. He added: “It’s been horrendous. Without (the case) he would certainly have been part of the 23-man squad.”
LOEW TO STAY ON WITH GERMANY
BERLIN: Joachim Loew ended speculation about his immediate future when he confirmed Tuesday that he would stay on as coach of Germany despite the disappointment of the Euro 2016 semi-final defeat by France. Loew has a contract that runs to 2018 but he had left some doubt about his position after Germany were eliminated from the Euros.
JOSE ARRIVAL ADDS MOTIVATION: ROONEY
MANCHESTER: Skipper Wayne Rooney says Jose Mourinho’s appointment as Manchester United manager has given him extra motivation for the new Premier League season.
“I’m really excited to be working with Jose this season as he’s one of the best managers in the world. I’ve always respected him both as a man and a manager,” Rooney said.
“I like to think I’m always motivated as a player but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit more motivated when a new manager comes in.”
“I’m sure all the lads will be happy to be working under Jose and also eager to impress.”
LEO COSTA JOINS MUMBAI CITY FC
MUMBAI: Mumbai City FC on Tuesday announced the signing of Brazil’s Leo Costa for the third season of the Indian Super League (ISL). Costa has played at the highest level in Brazil and Czech Republic.