MX23RW : Thursday, November 14 03:15:42| >> :120:23328:23328:

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

Rakitic: 'Modric best in the world'
© Reuters
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.

ID:334984: cacheID:334984:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2430:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Argentina's Lionel Messi during the match against Croatia on June 21, 2018
Read Next:
Messi misses out on The Best finalists
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!