Mateo Kovacic has revealed he sought the advice of former Tottenham star Luka Modric before completing a loan switch to Chelsea.

Kovacic has joined for the season from Real Madrid, though without the option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

The Croatia midfielder has become close friends with fellow international Modric since joining him at the Bernabeu in 2015.

Modric was at Spurs between 2008-12 and Kovacic said: "I speak to Luka always. He is, of course, happy for me.

"He is sad that I am leaving because we are very close there but he told me that London is an amazing city.

"He said the Premier League will be tough in the beginning but he said it is a nice League, the stadiums are always full and I will enjoy it.

"I haven't trained a lot at Real Madrid because I badly wanted to come to Chelsea so I didn't do much training. I will give my best to be ready (as soon as possible).

"I am excited to play with him (Jorginho) and I think we will enjoy ourselves together on the pitch. But there is a coach who needs to decide. I need to do my best to prove myself."

When asked if it will be harder to win trophies than at Real Madrid, who have claimed the last three Champions Leagues, he added: "For sure, but this team has won a lot in the last years. I am joining a team that is winning all the time."