Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric said he regrets how his spell at Tottenham came to an end back in 2012.

The Croatia international spent four seasons with Spurs, scoring 17 goals in 161 games with the club. He was named player of the year back in the 2010-11 season, when Tottenham reached the Champions League quarterfinals.

Modric left the club in August 2012 in a £33 million move to Madrid despite strong interest from Tottenham's rivals Chelsea.

Recalling his departure from Spurs, Modric said: "My one regret is that I didn't win a trophy with Tottenham, despite us being a strong team who played good, attractive football.

"I'm sorry for the way I left. I wish we had parted in a nicer way. I hope fans understand that I followed my dreams.

"My emotions when I think about the time I spent at Spurs are always really positive. Tottenham is the club that first gave me my opportunity to play in one of the strongest leagues in the world.

"I had a fantastic relationship with the people at the club, and also the fans. The whole atmosphere in and around the club at that time was brilliant, and our results were mostly very good. We played in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, against Real Madrid, and in a League Cup final too."

Luka Modric says he has regrets over how he left Tottenham for Real Madrid. Martin Seras Lima/Action Plus via Getty Images

Modric's move to Madrid has proved to be successful, as he has won the Champions League three times and La Liga once.

The midfielder also revealed he still checks Tottenham's results from time to time, and believes they have a change of winning the Premier League title in the near future.

"Do I still follow their results? Yes, when I have time. I always enjoy watching Tottenham's games and I really like what the club has become over the last few seasons," he added.

"They play the kind of enjoyable and attacking football that I like to see, and I definitely think Spurs could win the Premier League title in the near future - they've got excellent players."