Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has reportedly told FIFA that he made the first contact with Inter Milan over a potential move this summer.
Inter were heavily linked with the Croatia international, who has just one year remaining on his contract at the Bernabeu.
Madrid subsequently reported the Italian outfit to FIFA due to an alleged illegal approach for Modric, although Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the player himself has now revealed that it was he who made the initial contact.
The 32-year-old was thought to be keen on joining the Croatian contingent of Ivan Perisic, Sime Vrsaljko and Marcelo Brozovic at San Siro, having reached the World Cup final alongside the trio this summer.
Modric's intervention means that FIFA is likely to drop any investigation into allegations that Inter violated Article 18 of transfer regulations.
No deal ever materialised for the World Cup Golden Ball winner, though, with the Italian transfer window having closed on Friday.
Barney Corkhill
