08:51h CEST

Luka Modric has backed Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo to remain at the LaLiga giants, despite talk of the striker joining Serie A club Juventus.

"I don't think he's going to leave, and I'd like him to stay"

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo, who is Real's record goalscorer, is being heavily tipped to move to Turin this summer after nine years at the Bernabéu.

"Let's see what happens," Croatia captain Modric said on Saturday after leading his country into the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. "I don't think he's going to leave, and I'd like him to stay because he's the best player in the world.

"I can't imagine Cristiano Ronaldo at any other club"

"I think he's going to stay; that's my opinion," the 32-year-old added. "It would be great if he did, because I can't imagine him at any other club."

Croatia to take on England for World Cup final place

Modric's Croatia booked their World Cup last-four place after seeing off hosts Russia 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 quarter-final draw in Sochi.

Zlatko Dalic's men now face England at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on Wednesday.