Modric finding life challenging

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric admits he has found life at the Bernabeu "challenging" since leaving Tottenham in the summer.

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The Croatian playmaker completed a 35million euro move to the Primera Division champions after spending four years at White Hart Lane, but he has struggled to hold down a first-team place under head coach Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese has recently criticised the 27-year-old midfielder for his inconsistent displays and Modric responded in Croatian newspaper Sportske.

Quoted on as.com, he said: "This is Real Madrid. I understand there is great pressure for new signings to succeed here.

"I'm not making excuses, I am not that kind of person, but it is very challenging to adapt to life at a big club like Madrid.

"I have had a few good performances, if not in every game, but I believe that I can prove I have something to offer."

Modric has only started eight league games for the capital club, scoring just one goal as Madrid bid to close a daunting 16-point gap on league leaders Barcelona.