Do you remember your first meeting with Zinédine Zidane, in 2016, which you say is one of the turning points in your career?
Luka Modric:
I remember it word for word.
He said to me: "I see you as a player capable of winning the Ballon d'Or".
I never thought I would one day win the Ballon d'Or, but when someone like Zizou tells you that, you feel like you grow wings.
We've always had a great relationship.
I hope he will stay in Madrid for many years to come.
Why is Zidane doing so well at Real Madrid?
He understands the players perfectly.
He's one of the best coaches, that's for sure.
What we accomplished with him is unimaginable, some still say he is lucky ... We do not give him the recognition he deserves.
But hey, he doesn't need that.
His results speak for him.
An inspiring success⚽️With a lot of humility @ lukamodric10 # BallonDor and quadruple winner of the #Liguedeschampions with the #RealMadrid, tells us his story in the #MONJEU autobio Available today!
# LukaModric # MojaIgra # MyGame # mylifestoryhttps: //t.co/pz6CCycUULpic.twitter.com/9XECuJeuWZ
- Talent Editions (@TalentEditions) August 20, 2020
This season, Real Madrid have reconquered La Liga by relying on its pillars (Modric, Casemiro, Ramos, Benzema ...). Do Reals need new blood to stay on top?
We don't have a young team, of course, but we have an experienced team.
We also have young players who will improve.
We have enough qualities like that.
We have proven it this season in La Liga, and we know we can do it again.
After the cut, we came back ultra-motivated, we worked hard, we were the best team in La Liga physically, and I think that's why we won it.
We missed football, and winning matches too.
It's my second La Liga title, and I want to win more.
See you soon 35 (September 9), how have you experienced this season on an individual level?
I had two injuries that put me a bit on the side this season, and other players took their chance during that time ... It was not easy for me, but now maybe to be that Zizou sees me differently, because I never let go, and in the end, I replayed.
Now I feel good, fit, and motivated.
“When Cristiano was gone, it was the same, life went on without him at Real Madrid. It will be the same at FC Barcelona and in La Liga without Messi. "
In your book, you write that Zidane asked you to take on your leadership role even more. Is that why you offered your support to Eden Hazard, who like you had a difficult start at Real?
Eden is a great guy, a really special player.
But he was playing with pain, and when you're on the pitch, people always expect the best from you.
They don't care if you have any little worries.
So I went to talk to him to tell him: "Eden, this is a season of discovery for you, but maybe you should take care of yourself now, because next season (2020-2021) we will need you at your best ”.
I hope he will come back with all his problems sorted out.
We really need him.
You are the only one, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, to have beaten Lionel Messi in the Ballon d'Or race since 2008. What would his departure to another championship mean for you?
It would be a great loss for the prestige of La Liga.
But you shouldn't ruminate on that.
It's football, that's how it is.
You have to move forward.
Other players will become stars in their turn.
When Cristiano was gone it was the same, life went on without him at Real Madrid.
It will be the same at FC Barcelona and in La Liga without Messi.
What do you think of the cancellation of the Ballon d'Or 2020, which seemed to be promised to Robert Lewandowski?
I'm sorry for him, for all the players who have had an incredible season but who won't be able to have the chance to lift this trophy.
They will have to wait.
There are some players who have had great seasons but never had this opportunity before.
That's what makes me all the more proud, it's an indescribable feeling.
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