Luka Modric was better than Ronaldo and Messi this year, says Ivan Rakitic

Croatia star Luka Modric was better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi across the footballing year, according to international teammate Ivan Rakitic. 

Modric had a highly successful year in football which saw him triumph both domestically and internationally with Real Madrid and Croatia respectively.

With Madrid, he won yet another Champions League trophy after the Spanish giants beat an impressive Liverpool side 3-1 in the final to secure Modric and Madrid’s fourth Champions League title since 2014.

Meanwhile, with Croatia, Modric stunned the globe with his highly-impressive performances which helped lead his country to the World Cup final in Russia, only for the surprise package to lose out to eventual winners France 4-2 in an entertaining match full of class, skill and the odd mistake.

Due to his consistently productive form, Modric deservedly won the Uefa Men’s Player of the Season award, a trophy which has repeatedly lent itself to either Ronaldo or Messi across the last decade or so.

However, international teammate and Barcelona midfielder Rakitic believes Modric deserved his recognition ahead of the famous pair and anyone jealous of him should simply deal with it.

“Luka is now La Liga’s big gun, he is the best player in the world this year and we Croats are very proud of him,” he told Novi list (via Goal).

“I wish him that last prize that is left for him to win [the Ballon d’Or] because he absolutely deserves it.

“Those that are jealous of Luka, let them die in their jealousy! I am proud of him and as happy as if I was winning those awards!

“We’ve been together in national team for 11 years, went through a lot, I love him as my brother. I am happy he decided to stay in national team, I don’t know what my decision would have been if he retired.”

Croatia face Portugal in an international friendly on Thursday evening before taking on Spain in their first Uefa Nations League match on Tuesday.

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