‘The first night, it will probably be near my bed and then after, I will find a beautiful place where I could expose it.’
That’s what Luka Modric said after being handed his first Ballon d’Or, which ended Ronaldo and Messi’s decade-long hold on the trophy.
He further added:
As a kid we all have dreams. My dream was to play for a big club and win important trophies. The Ballon d’Or was more than just a dream for me and it is really an honour and a privilege to hold this trophy. 2018 is a dream year for me. Throughout my career I realized hard work, persistence and belief in yourself in difficult moments are the foundations of success.
We have all dreamt with Modric.
We have all seen him subtly but strongly emerging into the world’s best midfielder.
We have all seen everything he has done this year.
And we have all seen him on the stage with two of the most prestigious trophies in international football.
On being asked what he would say to the little Luka who knew the war, he said:
Not much. Just do not worry. You will fight so hard to get to this level and you will triumph. Your work will pay. I am very proud of myself.
Modric won third successive Champions League in May with Real Madrid; and later led Croatia to the country’s first World Cup final, where he was awarded with the Golden Ball.