Modrić: "Proud and thankful", Šuker: "A deserved award"

Luka Modrić

"It was a year to remember. I could not have planned it better myself. This was the best season of my career, both collectively and individually. I am proud to win such an prestigious award, and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me. Congratulations to both Salah and Ronaldo, I am convinced they will be candidates for this trophy once again. It is an honour and privilege to hold the trophy, and thanks to everybody who supported me - my Real Madrid and Croatia teammates also deserve credit. Moreover, I am happy that Croatia is now even more recognized than before, including our coach Zlatko Dalić running for the best coach award. Croatia is appreciated in the football world, and this makes us proud"

Davor Šuker

"I believe Luka fully deserves this award following the historic achievements with Croatia and Real Madrid. In 2018, the World Cup has to be the key, and Luka was leading Croatia towards the silver, as a captain and the best player. It is difficult to end the Ronaldo - Messi domination, and this makes this achievement even bigger. It is an incredible feat for a player from Croatia, a great inspiration for any player from a smaller country. This is an award for Luka's skills, but also for his hard work through the years, as well as for his Real Madrid and Croatia teammates. Everyone who contributed to his development can be proud, including every one of us in Croatian football. Alongside having the second-best national team, now we have the best player in the world. Well done Luka!"

"I also congratulate our head coach Zlatko Dalić, one of the three best coaches, in the company of world champion Deschamps and three-times Champions League winner Zidane. This proves how great was our success in Russia. This was a beautiful year for Croatian football, and let it be an inspiration for the future"

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