Real Madrid confirms Modric signing

 MADRID, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid this Monday announced the signing of Croatian midfielder Luka Modric on a five year contact.

Modric joins for Tottenham Hotspurs on a deal thought to be in the region of 35 million Euros, ending a long running transfer saga¹.

The two clubs have also penned a mutual² collaboration³ agreement which will see them work together in several footballing questions and facilitate loan agreements.

Modric, who will celebrate his 28th birthday on September 9th, joins Madrid after spending four seasons in London. He has 57 international caps for his country and Real Madrid hope he will provide cover in central midfield following the loan of Nuri Sahin to Liverpool and the more than probable departure of Brazilian midfielder Kaka before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Modric will have a medical this Monday morning before being officially presented to the fans in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium at 13.00 hours local time.

Real Madrid announced the signing of the player less than 24 hours after their surprise defeat to Getafe in the BBVA Primera Liga on Sunday night and just two days before they entertain FC Barcelona in the return leg of the Spanish Supercup on Wednesday.

Modric is unlikely to play in that game, where Madrid need to overturn a 3-2 defeat from the first leg, but he could appear when his new side faces Granada next Sunday.

1 saga   

n.(尤指中世纪北欧海盗的)故事，英雄传奇

参考例句：

• The saga of Flight 19 is probably the most repeated story about the Bermuda Triangle.飞行19中队的传说或许是有关百慕大三角最重复的故事。
• The novel depicts the saga of a family.小说描绘了一个家族的传奇故事。

2 mutual   

adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的

参考例句：

• We must pull together for mutual interest.我们必须为相互的利益而通力合作。
• Mutual interests tied us together.相互的利害关系把我们联系在一起。

3 collaboration   

n.合作，协作；勾结

参考例句：

• The two companies are working in close collaboration each other.这两家公司密切合作。
• He was shot for collaboration with the enemy.他因通敌而被枪毙了。