Luka Modric has said his former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo told him he deserved to win the 2017-18 UEFA Player of the Year award.
Modric beat out Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah for the award, which was presented last week at the Champions League draw in Monaco.
As a result of his snub, Ronaldo was a no-show at the event, with his agent Jorge Mendes later saying that his client not winning was “ridiculous and shameful.”
Speaking after Portugal and Croatia played out a 1-1 friendly draw on Thursday, Modric said Ronaldo told him that he deserved to win the award.
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“Cristiano sent me a message, congratulated me and told me he is happy for me and I deserved it,” Modric told RTP3 after the game.
“He also said he can’t wait to meet me again.”
Ronaldo did not play in Thursday’s game, as he is rested ahead of a long club season with new side Juventus.