Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric insists he's happy Lionel Messi chose to stay with Barcelona.

Messi submitted, then withdrew, a transfer demand before the start of the season.

Modric watched the situation closely and insists it's good that Messi decided to remain at the Nou Camp.

He said, "Messi's departure? It wouldn't have been good for us. I like that a player like him stays.

"I'm glad he's staying because when you play you want to do it against the best."