Modric reacts to winning his first Ballon D’Or

It was quite a historic night in Paris for Luka Modric as he won the first Ballon D’Or of his career, the first time a winner hasn’t been Ronaldo or Messi since Kaká won it in 2007. He gave his reaction to his win.

“These two [Ronaldo and Messi] were on some exceptional level for the last 10 years.”

“Maybe in the past there are some players that could win the Ballon d’Or, like Xavi, Iniesta or Sneijder, but it didn’t happen.”

“People are finally, I don’t know, they wanted something else. I think it’s [a] victory for football tonight.”

“I am happy that I am the winner but this award is for all these players that probably deserved to win but didn’t.”

Certainly there will be plenty of people who do not believe that this is a “victory for football,” but it is still a great achievement for Modric. It’s not a matter of whether or not he deserves it, he certainly made huge contributions to Real Madrid and Croatia and I believe he does deserve it.

Obviously, there will be disagreement for a variety of reasons, but it’s not like Modric was a completely random choice.This will likely be Modric’s first and last Ballon D’Or, whereas Messi and Ronaldo will surely be right back in contention for it in 2019.

It’s a touching story of a boyhood refugee who became a professional footballer, was voted as one of the worst LaLiga transfers in 2012, and has now won the highest individual honor a player can earn; among many other trophies at Real Madrid.

Perez reacts to Modric’s achievement, believes Real Madrid players will continue to win it

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez gave his reaction to Modric capturing the Ballon D’Or.

“Real Madrid have a very important affair with this prestigious trophy.”

“It’s a beautiful love story between the Ballon d’Or and Real Madrid and I’m sure it’s going to continue.”

Perez was somewhat poked fun at when he brought up all of the Ballon D’Or candidates on Real Madrid several weeks ago, now one of them has taken home the trophy. Real, despite the ups and downs of this season so far, can still have contenders for the trophy provided they maintain great form.

While it is only an individual’s trophy, it showcases the quality of the players that make up a team like Real Madrid.

Modric’s perjury charges have been dropped

Luka Modric captured a second achievement alongside his Ballon D’Or win on Monday, his charges of perjury in Croatia were finally dropped. He was previously charged with perjury earlier this year in regards to a tax fraud case involving Dynamo Zagreb’s former director.

According to reports, he could have received up to five years in jail. Zagreb’s Municipal Court had earlier dropped the charges and were upheld on Monday by the County Court in Zagreb.

It’s been quite a full day for Luka and he’s got some great motivation going forward this season.