Picture of Luka Modric | Goal.com
The Croatian has revealed that he was left surprised by by the departure of two men who had helped shapen the life at the club in recent years.
Zinedine Zidane, a true Real Madrid legend came into the dugout just when it seemed as though things were beginning to fall apart at the Los Blancos stronghold. Rafa Benitez had tried in his own right but didn't prove up to the task and left less than a year he was signed. Zidane came in and immediately found a winning formula. He was able to balance the ego of the players and also get productivity from them. The end was Real Madrid winning three consecutive champions league trophies and one La Liga title. He left though just after winning the third UCL title deciding it was time to call it quit with the European giants.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Balon D'Or winner had been the backbone of Real Madrid for nine years. Indeed, his arrival at the club nine years ago did much to elevate the club to champion status and got then back their bragging rights. He has helped the club to four champions league titles and was the highest goal scorer in all of them. He however left in the summer choosing to switch to Juventus, the Serie A title possessors.
Luka Modric said it had been very surprising when both men left and everyone felt their absence. The player has however gone on to win the awards that Ronaldo would usually win and looks poised to collect the last major award for the year, the Balon D'Or.