Modric questioned over alleged false testimony

ZAGREB, Croatia: Croatian prosecutors on Wednesday questioned Real Madrid’s Luka Modric over his alleged false testimony at the trial of Dinamo Zagreb’s powerful former boss, Zdravko Mamic.

“I came here to present my defence and tell the truth as every time so far,” Modric told reporters after the questioning in the eastern town of Osijek, where the trial is being held, the state-run HINA news agency reported.

“My conscience is clear,” the 31-year-old Croatia captain said.“I’m certain that eventually it will be shown that I did not commit any criminal act.”In June the prosecutors opened a probe of Modric whom they suspect of giving false testimony during Mamic’s trial, which is punishable with up to five years in jail.

Mamic is accused — along with his brother Zoran Mamic and two others — of abuse of power and graft that cost the former Croatian champions more than 15 million euros ($16.9 million), and the state 1.5 million euros.

Cash was allegedly embezzled through fictitious deals related to player transfers.Modric testified in mid-June over the details of his 2008 transfer from Dinamo to Tottenham Hotspur.From there he joined Real Madrid in 2012.

The prosecutors alleged that, when questioned at the tribunal, Modric falsely said he had signed an annex to a contract with Dinamo over conditions for future transfers in July 2004.