September 3 – There has been some unsavoury tit-for-tat fallout over UEFA’s decision to name Luka Modric, who captained Croatia to the runners-up slot at the World Cup, as its Player of the Year.
For the first time since the 2012-13 season, the award was won by somebody other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
Modric picked up the honour last week following a terrific season in which he also helped Real Madrid to a third consecutive Champions League.
Many feel that Modric was a deserving winner but the decision hasn’t gone down well with Ronaldo’s entourage.
Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has been reported as claiming it was “ridiculous” to give the award to Modric.
“Football is played on the field and that’s where Cristiano won,” Mendes told Record. “He scored 15 goals, carried Real Madrid on his back and conquered the Champions League again. “It’s ridiculous, shameful. The winner is not in doubt.”
Now, however, Modric’s national team manager, Zlatko Dalic, has got in on the act by describing Ronaldo, in an interview with Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti, as “egotist” who “I’d never want him in my team!”
Dalic continued: “He is the kind of player that only thinks ‘no matter if we lose, the only thing that matters is that I score a goal!’.”
Modric collected a total of 313 points, with Ronaldo, who left Real for Juventus in the summer, picking up 223 and Liverpool and Egypt striker Mohamed Salah 134.
Pernille Harder was named UEFA Women’s Player of the Year at a ceremony which took place during the Champions League group stage draw in Monaco.
“It’s an incredible moment for me and I feel excited and proud to have won this great award.,” said Modric. “I would like to thank everyone who voted for me to receive the award, my club, Real Madrid, my coaches and my teammates who support me through the highs and lows. This award belongs to them as well.”
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