Luka Modrić praises ‘incredible fanbase’ as he becomes investor and co-owner of Swansea City

Daniel Bevan - Senior Journalist

Ballon d’Or winner and Real Madrid star Luka Modrić has joined Swansea City as an investor and co-owner, the Championship club has announced.

The six-time Champions League winner and 2018 World Cup finalist praised the club, saying: “Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level.”

No details have been released regarding how much of a stake in the club Modrić has purchased or how much investment he has committed to providing. However, in a statement, the club said: “Luka’s investment in the club is an endorsement of the club’s ambition and vision.

He will play a key role in helping the club garner global attention and progress both on and off the pitch.”

Speaking to the club’s website, Modrić said: “This is an exciting opportunity. Swansea has a strong identity, an incredible fanbase, and the ambition to compete at the highest level.

“Playing at the highest level, I believe I can provide my experience to the club. My goal is to support the club’s growth in a positive way and help build an exciting future.”

Modrić is the latest in a long line of celebrities and sports stars who have invested in British clubs — most notably Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham, and Tom Brady at Birmingham City.

Tom Gorringe, CEO, said: “I am excited that Luka has come on board as an investor and co-owner.

“There is no better role model in the game for our players, from the academy right through to the first team. His endorsement of our ambition and willingness to support us on our journey will be instrumental as we aim to continue to improve our results on and off the pitch.

“In our conversations, he has demonstrated his passion for the club, his knowledge of how we are performing, and a genuine desire to help us improve. I am really looking forward to working with him more closely to drive us forward.”

The Swansea City board added: “We are delighted that Luka has joined our ownership group. From our first discussions, it was clear that there was alignment on our visions and that Luka would be a real asset to our group.

“We’d like to thank Luka and his team for their support through this process, and we look forward to welcoming him to the Swansea.com Stadium to meet you all as soon as possible.”