Modric: “I’m enjoying football and Real Madrid now more than ever”

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric talked to the press after the 2019 Ballon D’Or ceremony. Modric passed on the award to Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, showing great sportsmanship. The Croatian midfielder explained why he did it.

“I was proud of being in this ceremony and being able to pass on the award to Messi, who deserved to win it. I believe that it’s great for the reigning winner to pass on the award to the new winner, it shows great respect, something which can help our sport. We’re rivals but not enemies. Sometimes things are taken too far in football but this can help improve everything. It happens in other sports and I hope this gets established in our sport,” said Modric.

The midfielder has lost his role as an undisputed starter for Real Madrid this season as has entered his decline. Still, he seems very committed and engaged.

“I’m very happy in Madrid, it’s true that my season started a bit weird because of the red card and my two injuries, I lacked consistency and form. Now I’m feeling well and I’m enjoying football and Madrid more than ever. What I need is to play, improve my form and show what I’ve always shown,” explained Modric.

The Croatian player will still be a key player for Zinedine Zidane. He can make a big impact off the bench when needed but right now it looks like Casemiro, Kroos and Fede have established themselves as the three men who will start most games for Real Madrid. Whether that role is enough for Modric or not remains to be seen.