25-year-old Lazio star reveals desire to play for Real Madrid
Since his breakout season in the Serie A, Serbian international Serej Milinkovic-Savic has been a long-time target of several European clubs, including Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Real Madrid, particularly, were heavily linked with a move for the Lazio midfielder in the summer of 2020, with reports claiming the Serb was their primary replacement for the aging Luka Modric.
However, a deal failed to materialize, as the Spanish giants opted out of a bid for the Lazio star.
Serej Milinkovic Savic has now stirred up rumors of a potential switch to the Galacticos when he made a bold comment over his love for Real Madrid.
Speaking as the guest appearance on "Evening with Ivan Ivanović”, a show on Serbian channel TV Nova, the 25-year-old discussed his desire to play Real Madrid, or at least play against them.
The 24-year-old revealed his love and admiration for the La Liga champions while stating he would love to put on the Madrid shirt someday.
“In the Champions League we had a hard game ahead against Bayern,” the Lazio midfielder said.
“The truth is that during the UEFA Champions League draw, I wanted to play against Real Madrid so that I can swap shirts with their players.
“I have dreamt of playing for Real Madrid since I was a child. This is the greatest goal of my career and I will do everything possible to achieve it.”
Milinkovic-Savic continues to impress Real Madrid with superb performances this season
Real Madrid were keen on snapping up Milinkovic Savic from Lazio last summer, after the Serbian thrilled the Serie A with seven goals and four assists from the center of the park.
However, interest from the Galacticos fizzled out after Lazio's president slapped a hefty price tag on the midfielder in a bid to keep him at the club.
The club president, Claudio Lotito, revealed he had rejected an offer of about £110m from an unknown club for the ex-Genk star, and Real Madrid would have to beat that fee to secure his service.
While Real Madrid’s interest might have taken a dip, the 25-year-old’s impressive outings could attract the Spanish giants once more, as they search for a replacement for the veteran duo of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Milinkovic-Savic has scored four goals and provided five assists in the Serie A this season, as fifth-placed Lazio push for Champions League qualification.