Luka Modric enjoyed further success following the World Cup by winning the UEFA Player of the Year title. Hence, he now replaces Cristiano Ronaldo as the new holder of the title. Ronaldo was able to win the Player of the Year award from UEFA in the last two campaigns. There have been rumours that Ronaldo has not been able to receive this news in a good manner and he was nowhere to be seen at the ceremony. Soon after the absence of Ronaldo led to rumours, the player’s agent – Jorge Mendes – claimed that it was a farce that Ronaldo was not a recipient of the title despite having achieved immense success for club and country.

Mohamed Salah was able to finish in the third place following his impeccable achievements with Liverpool. The trio are expected to continue with their fight in the Ballon d’Or award that will be held later this year. Ronaldo was hoping to win the UEFA Player of the Year title for a third consecutive time. He managed to come up with 15 goals for Real Madrid, who went on to lift the Champions League for the third time in the history of the sport. Ronaldo was able to show the world by making the switch to Juventus. He is the oldest of the trio had 32 years of age.

Luka Modric, though, has denied any hard feelings from Ronaldo by saying that the Portuguese superstar congratulated him with a text message.“Cristiano sent me a message, congratulated me and told me he is happy for me and I deserved it. He also said he can’t wait to meet me again,” said Modric. Ronaldo has yet to hit good heights since making the switch to Juventus. After being linked with a switch away from Madrid for majority of the transfer window, Luka Modric remains at the Santiago Bernabeu.