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Luka Modric on Real Madrid and the Ballon d'Or

LUKA MODRIC: "The only thing I had in mind was that I was going to succeed." I was almost 27 years old and I never imagined I would stay so long in such a demanding place, where every day you must be at the highest level just to deserve to stay there. I never dreamed of winning so many Champions Leagues, but we did. The Tenth was special because we had waited 12 years. We did not give up until the end, we kept believing... and that goal in the last minute changed everything. We won the Eleventh with cold blood in the penalties, despite missing many opportunities. Winning the Ballon d'Or was the crowning touch. Seeing the fans chant my name was incredible, but having my parents always there is everything for me. I put myself in my father's shoes at that moment, seeing him excited, with tears in his eyes. He was there from the beginning; he took me to training every day and then we practiced in a parking lot near the hotel where we lived. They were always part of the whole process. There is nothing like being a Madrid player. Nothing compares to playing at the Bernabéu. Every footballer dreams of wearing this shirt... and I have had the privilege of doing so for more than a decade. Representing Madrid is something unique. And as long as I am here, I will continue to give every drop of energy for this crest.

6h

Footy News@Footynews

Follow

Luka Modric on Real Madrid and the Ballon d'Or

LUKA MODRIC: "The only thing I had in mind was that I was going to succeed." I was almost 27 years old and I never imagined I would stay so long in such a demanding place, where every day you must be at the highest level just to deserve to stay there. I never dreamed of winning so many Champions Leagues, but we did. The Tenth was special because we had waited 12 years. We did not give up until the end, we kept believing... and that goal in the last minute changed everything. We won the Eleventh with cold blood in the penalties, despite missing many opportunities. Winning the Ballon d'Or was the crowning touch. Seeing the fans chant my name was incredible, but having my parents always there is everything for me. I put myself in my father's shoes at that moment, seeing him excited, with tears in his eyes. He was there from the beginning; he took me to training every day and then we practiced in a parking lot near the hotel where we lived. They were always part of the whole process. There is nothing like being a Madrid player. Nothing compares to playing at the Bernabéu. Every footballer dreams of wearing this shirt... and I have had the privilege of doing so for more than a decade. Representing Madrid is something unique. And as long as I am here, I will continue to give every drop of energy for this crest.

6h