Luka Modric Reveals Cristiano Ronaldo Said He Deserved UEFA Award

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has revealed Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo congratulated him on winning UEFA's Player of the Year award, telling the Croatian he deserved the honour. 

As Goal reported, both players were nominated for the award, but Ronaldo didn't go to the ceremony. His agent, Jorge Mendes, later stated the decision to hand the award to Modric was "shameful," and there were "widespread reports" the Portugal international was upset at the outcome.

Modric painted a different picture in an interview with RTP3 (h/t Goal), however: "Cristiano sent me a message, congratulated me and told me he is happy for me and I deserved it. He also said he can't wait to meet me again."

Andrea Comas/Associated Press

The two were team-mates at Real Madrid last season and were both standouts in the club's third consecutive UEFA Champions League triumph, putting them on a collision course for the individual awards. They are both among the final nominees for FIFA's The Best award as well.

Modric had the better World Cup of the two, making it all the way to the final with Croatia, and that gave the 32-year-old a major advantage over Ronaldo. The Juventus ace bowed out in the round of 16, losing to Uruguay with Portugal.

Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated the individual awards for years, but in a World Cup year, things can be shaken up. To the disbelief of many, Messi hasn't even been nominated for either award.

Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis disagreed:

Modric isn't getting carried away, however, and won't let it affect his relationship with Ronaldo: "I am happy to be in another big award final. We'll see what will happen. I have a good relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, and we'll have good relationship in the future too. Individual awards are important, but I am not obsessed with them."

Portugal and Croatia met in an international friendly on Thursday, but Ronaldo did not take part. The 33-year-old has yet to find the net in Serie A.

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool was the third finalist for the UEFA Player of the Year award, and he too has made the podium for FIFA's The Best prize.