UEFA’s decision to award Luka Modric the player of the year award has not quite gone down well with Cristiano Ronaldo’ s agent Jorge Mendes, who termed this decision as, “embarrassing.” Ronaldo, representing Real Madrid had netted in 15 goals in the Champions League in the last season. He not only ended as the top-scorer in the competition but also helped the Spanish Club clinch the coveted European title for the third consecutive season.
On Thursday, Modric was chosen as UEFA’s best amidst competition from big names like Ronaldo and Mohammad Salah. Ronaldo nonetheless was named the best forward.
Mendes, while interacting with the Portuguese newspaper, “Record” said, “ Football is played across four lines of the pitch and that’s where Cristiano won. He scored 15 goals, carrying Real Madrid on his back to winning another Champions League title.”
“It’s simply ridiculous, embarrassing even. There’s no doubt who the winner should be, the one who is the best in his position,” he further added.
The awardees were selected after being voted by Champions League coaches and invited journalists in Europe. The star midfielder was chosen as the best with 313 points, 90 less than what the former Real Madrid man got. Liverpool talisman Mohammad Salah ended at the third position.
Mendes’ comments, however, found support from Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta who completed Ronaldo’s transfer to the Turin-based club.
“I take nothing away from the decision of journalists and coaches, but I would have voted for Cristiano Ronaldo and I say that as a football fan. It would be nice for us to count some players among those who were given awards, but football is a team sport and we will face this Champions League with great determination,” said Marotta.
The UEFA awards were completely dominated by Real Madrid as barring Modric, it was centre-back Sergio Ramos who won the UEFA defender of the year while it was Costa Rican stopper Keylor Navas who walked away with the best goalkeeper award.
Also read: Real Madrid sweep UEFA awards as Modric named men’s player of the year