SM
Newcastle vs. West Ham: 20 hrs 21 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Ivan Rakitic: 'Luka Modric is the best player in the world'

:Headline: Ivan Rakitic: 'Luka Modric is the best player in the world': ID:334984: from db_amp
Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic brands fellow Croatia international Luka Modric "the best player in the world".

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has branded fellow Croatia international Luka Modric "the best player in the world".

Rakitic and Modric are rivals at club level, with the latter turning out for Barcelona's bitter rivals Real Madrid.

However, the pair helped Croatia reach the final of the 2018 World Cup and share a close relationship off the field.

Modric was named UEFA's Player of the Year last week as he helped Madrid win their third straight Champions League title before inspiring Croatia in Russia.

Rakitic has said that Modric "is now La Liga's big gun", and has made the whole of Croatia "very proud".

"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. "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."

Both Rakitic and Modric are with the Croatia squad preparing for their UEFA Nations League opener against Portugal on Thursday night.

amp_article__334984 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2018-09-06 20:25:28:
html db last update - 2018-09-06 20:25:28 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Ivan Rakitic

Click here for more stories about Real Madrid

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad145361111018
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
14Leganes143561319-614
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .