Chelsea loanee Mateo Kovacic has revealed he risked angering one of his Real Madrid pals by quitting the Bernabeu for Stamford Bridge.

Kovacic, 24, joined the Premier League title hopefuls on a season-long loan deal towards the end of the summer transfer window.

He decided to seek new pastures after failing to nail down a regular role at  Real Madrid, but his International team Captain Luka Modric was unhappy to see him go.

Kovacic said, “Well, after two years of struggling in Madrid, playing and not playing, it was difficult. You don’t have confidence, you don’t try things you know. This year was my final decision to go. Chelsea came and I spoke with the coach so it was definitely for me just Chelsea so I wanted to come here. In the end I’m happy that it happened.”

He continued by saying, “Modric obviously was not happy that I would leave because we had three amazing years together winning a lot of trophies. This year I looked only at myself and this is what I need. He obviously was happy for me that I got what I wanted.”

When asked if Modric is missing him, Kovacic replied, “I think so. I miss him as well. We are talking almost every day so it is OK.”

Kovacic has started Chelsea’s last four Premier League fixtures and appears to have immediately gelled with midfield colleagues Jorginho and N’Golo Kante.

Maurizio Sarri has already indicated he is willing to keep the Croatia international on a permanent basis.

But Kovacic claims he is not currently thinking about his future beyond this season.

The Croatia International said, “It is too early and I have to respect my contract with Real Madrid, but for now I’m really happy with Chelsea. The city is amazing. The fans are great. The stadium, everything is nice. I could imagine myself staying here.”