Luka modric (Zadar, 35 years old) ends his contract with Real Madrid this season, but he has one thing clear: renew or exit, your relationship with the club will remain outstanding. He wants to continue, he feels strong and football to continue in white, but the negotiations will determine where his future will go. The Croatian has offered an interview to the monthly magazine FourFourTwo in which it reveals secrets and intimacies previously unknown. He talks about Zidane, the Ballon d'Or, his continuity …
How did you feel when you signed for Real Madrid?
It was a dream come true. When I found out that they were interested in me it was an incredible feeling. One of the moments I remember the most was when I signed the contract, because in that second I felt that it was already reality, that I would play for the biggest club in the world. I was so proud and so honored … You can't imagine it. In the end it was the reflection that he had worked well and that everything was worth it.
But the first year was very hard, to the point that you were voted 'the worst signing of the season'. Did you always think that you would turn that situation around?
I remember that vote, but to be honest, it didn't affect me at all. I always believed in myself. He knew that he was a footballer with the skills to play for Real Madrid, that he would be successful and that he would fit in. Those things don't affect me, really. I had a goal and I wasn't going to let gossip stop me from reaching it. I never stopped believing and in the end, I proved myself.
Of all your goals, for example, the draw against Manchester United, which was Ferguson's last match in the Champions League, is well remembered. How was that moment?
It was a turning point in my career at Real Madrid. I was out for the last half hour, I played well, I scored and we won 1-2. After that night I started to have more minutes and to feel better and better. But even before, he had already had opportunities in important matches. It is true that we were caught at a time when we were 7-8 points behind Barcelona, a lot of difference. That game, on stage, was gigantic: Old Trafford, against Manchester United and in front of Sir Alex, who has written a foreword in my autobiography. It was a brilliant moment and one that made me take off as a footballer in Spain.
You have four Champions: 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018. What has been the most special for you?
Each one is special, but La Décima was impressive. Madrid had been waiting 12 years and it was the 10, which is also my favorite number. As a final in which we played better, I would say that of Juventus in Cardiff (2017), but if you talk to me about its importance, I'll take La Décima. I gave the assistance so that Ramos will tie in the discount … And that goal is already part of the history of football. How glad it happened to Sergio and me, because we are very good friends! It was a great moment for the club.
Ramos scored the goal of the Decima … A pass from Modric.
You have had countless coaches … Which one do you prefer?
I have played with magnificent technicians. Everyone has helped me to grow as a player, but if you make me choose one, I will stay with Zidane. My relationship with him is more special than with any other. We have won many titles together at Real Madrid and I think they have been able to get my best football out.
Did you talk to him when he arrived at Madrid?
He likes to call you at his office to tell you what he thinks you should do more, how you have to play, what you do well and what you don't, correct mistakes … I remember, for example, a conversation I had with him in which I He said that I needed to believe more in myself, that I had the potential to win the Ballon d'Or. When he mentioned that I thought 'wow, I never thought about it'. And a few years later I won it. When a coach who has just arrived tells you that, it fills you with confidence and you are willing to do anything for him. For us, when he entered the dressing room, it was something unique because of what he represented and how he was. He has a very strong personality.
It's that you won it. How was lifting the Ballon d'Or?
It was an incredible moment, the best of my career personally. The Ballon d'Or is the greatest individual achievement there is. And I was very happy that people recognized me as the best footballer that year, because when you analyze the panorama, be it the UEFA award, The Best .. Anyone where those who vote are captains, players and coaches, as well as journalists , you feel very proud.
Modric, collecting the Ballon d'Or.
Reuters
When did you find out that you had won it? How did they communicate it to you?
France Football He had said “if you win, we'll call you a week before.” I remember that on that date we were playing in the Nations League against England at Wembley. The next day I had him off, so I decided to stay in London and rest with my wife. It was that morning that I woke up to see the director of France Football he was calling me on the phone. He didn't want to answer, because he didn't know what to think. I promise you I started to shake, I almost started to cry. I said to my wife “But look who's calling!” and she said to me “Come on, answer !!”. I said “No, no, I'll call him later, I need to calm down a bit.” In the end I called him and he told me that he had indeed won the Ballon d'Or. I felt so happy … But I couldn't tell anyone, I had to keep it a secret. It was difficult because I wanted to tell everyone immediately. But I held on.
Cristiano Ronaldo had just left Real Madrid to go to Juventus … Did he congratulate you on winning it?
Yes, we were still in contact and when I won he wrote to me. To this day we remain in contact. When someone like him sends you a message to congratulate you, it means a lot, because he knows what it is to win, he has done it many times. Playing with Cristiano at Real Madrid was incredible and special. He is one of the best players in the history of football. He was so demanding … During the matches he wanted everyone to do their best. He motivated us, he was a leader.
Would you exchange that Ballon d'Or for a World Cup with Croatia?
It is not a difficult question at all, of course it is. The individual awards are spectacular, of course, but for me the collective goals are more important, especially the World Cup. There is not a single trophy more important than that. If I could change it, I would.
You end a contract with Madrid this season. What will become of your future? Can you imagine going back to Tottenham to recover that duo with Bale?
I'm too old to go back to the Spurs! I still have this year at Real Madrid and then we'll see what happens. I feel good and I want to continue playing football for a few more years. Where? We'll see. To be honest, I haven't really thought about it much. I am focused on Madrid and on the things we can achieve this season. That is my only goal. Then I will sit down with the board and we will find a suitable solution for everyone. I've been here for eight seasons, eight great seasons, and I've built a great relationship with everyone at the club. Whatever happens, there will be no problem.