Madrid (AFP)

When Zinédine Zidane told him he could win the Ballon d'Or, Luka Modric "felt his wings grow": the Croatian midfielder of Real Madrid confides in AFP, evoking his relationship with his coach, the coronation in La Liga and the possible departure of Barcelona from Lionel Messi.

The 34-year-old Ballon d'Or 2018, published on August 20 his autobiography entitled "My game" at Talent Éditions.

Q: Do you remember your first meeting with Zinédine Zidane, in 2016, which you say is one of the turning points in your career?

A: "I remember it word for word. He said to me: + I see you as a player capable of winning the Ballon d'Or. + I never thought I could one day win the Ballon d'Or, but when someone like + Zizou + tells you that, you feel like you grow wings. We've always had a great relationship. I hope he stays in Madrid for many years to come. "

Q: Why is Zidane doing so well at Real Madrid?

A: "He understands the players perfectly. He's one of the best coaches, that's for sure. What we've accomplished with him is unimaginable, some still say he's lucky ... We don't. Not giving him the recognition he deserves. But hey, he doesn't need that. His results speak for him. "

Q: This season, Real Madrid have reconquered La Liga by relying on their pillars (Modric, Casemiro, Ramos, Benzema ...).

Do Reals need new blood to stay on top?

A: "We don't have a young team, of course, but we have an experienced team. We also have young players who will improve. We have enough quality like that. We have proven it this season in La Liga , and we know we can do it again. After the cut, we came back ultra-motivated, we worked hard, we were the best team in La Liga physically, and I think that's why we won it. We missed football and winning matches too. This is my second La Liga title, and I want to win more. "

Q: See you soon 35 (September 9), how have you experienced this season on an individual level?

A: "I had two injuries which put me a bit on the side this season, and other players took their chances during that time ... It was not easy for me, but now , maybe + Zizou + sees me differently, because I never gave up, and in the end, I replayed. Now I feel good, in shape, and motivated. "

Q: In your book you write that Zidane asked you to take on your leadership role even more.

Is that why you offered your support to Eden Hazard, who like you had a difficult start at Real?

A: "Eden (Hazard) is a great guy, a really special player. But he was playing with pain, and when you're on the pitch, people always expect the best from you. They don't care if you have any problems. little worries. So I went to talk to him to tell him: + Eden, this is a season of discovery for you, but maybe you should take care of yourself now, because next season (2020-2021) we will need you at your best. + I hope he comes back with all his problems sorted out. We really need him. "

Q: You are the only one, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, to have beaten Lionel Messi in the Ballon d'Or race since 2008. What would his departure to another championship mean for you?

A: "It would be a great loss for the prestige of La Liga. But you shouldn't ruminate on that. It's football, it's like that. You have to move forward. Other players will become stars When Cristiano (Ronaldo) was gone, it was the same, life went on without him at Real Madrid. It will be the same in FC Barcelona and in La Liga without Messi ".

Q: What do you think of the cancellation of the Ballon d'Or 2020, which seemed to be promised to Robert Lewandowski?

A: "I'm sorry for him, for all the players who have had an incredible season but who won't be able to have the chance to lift this trophy. They will have to wait. There are some players who have had great seasons but who don't 'have never had this opportunity before. That's what makes me all the more proud, it's an indescribable feeling. "

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