Former Tottenham Hotspur assistant manager Kevin Bond has insisted that Luka Modric is not a bad boy.

The playmaker finally completed his long-awaited move to Real Madrid on Monday after refusing to play in Spurs' opening two Premier League matches.

While some sections of the White Hart Lane faithful have viewed this negatively, Bond simply believes that the Croat was just trying to force through a move that was inevitable.

"He was the easiest man in the world to work with, one of the loveliest guys in the game. He was always the first at training and wasn't any problems," Bond told talkSPORT.

"There are certain players who, when they don't get what they want, cause aggravation but he wasn't one of those. It was difficult for him because he wanted to get away and other players in that situation would have caused problems but Luka found it difficult to be like that, that was why he ended up staying as long as he did.

"It's difficult not to wish him well. I know Tottenham fans will be disappointed but he did great for them and it's hard to turn down a challenge like Real Madrid. He's wanted to go for some time and, coupled with the fact Tottenham haven't got Champions League football this year, the move is good for everyone. Spurs can now move on."

The deal was reportedly worth in the region of £33m.