Champions League:“It’s our tournament” says Modric

Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric is confident the club will beat Manchester City on Wednesday and advance to the final.

Speaking ahead of the all-important UEFA Champions League semi-final second-leg clash against Manchester City, Real Madrid midfielder Modric has said that he is in perfect physical condition at the moment and thanks to some advice given to him by his friends, he returned to action sooner than everyone anticipated.

The veteran midfielder spoke on several aspects of the game, including Madrid’s approach in the competition, his take on the younger generation as well as what it is like to play for Real Madrid in the competition.

“The sensations are very good. We have to enjoy this game to the fullest. What we are achieving is something big and we have to enjoy this moment,” the midfielder told the press.

“It’s just that we have played these games many times. And I see in my mates… tranquillity. Playing the final would be impressive.”He added that everyone at Real Madrid takes the UEFA Champions League as ‘our competition’. Since they have been in his position before, they are feeling quite comfortable at the moment.

“It’s a huge game… and we feel comfortable. We like the Champions League, because it’s our tournament. The feeling is of comfort and that is why we have won so many times. Because self-confidence is enormous. What we believe in is our quality. We will give 100%,” he added.

Modric has won five UEFA Champions League and three La Liga titles with Real Madrid and when asked about his legacy, he said,

“I think that all these titles that we have won already speak a lot about us. But we also leave the legacy of effort, of behaviour on a day-to-day basis. But I think that what we do in difficult situations is very important. Our titles are very important and it makes us proud and the way we have done it, too,” he explained.

If Madrid beat City, Modric will play his sixth UEFA Champions League final in ten years and the midfielder says that this is highly motivating.

“I remember Zidane’s video talking about dynasty. We have in mind playing the sixth final, but the main motivation is to play this game with the Real Madrid shirt. We’re going to give everything and during the match, we are sure to give even more than we think. We are close to achieving something historic.”

The veteran midfielder was also asked about Eduardo Camavinga and he went on to say that he is really happy with the progress the young Frenchman has made.

“I think that Camavinga is fine and that he is going to train. Regarding his position, he has grown a lot and this year he has shown that he can also do very well on the left side. Even if he doesn’t like to play there, he is a boy that does well no matter where you put him. 

“His football, his personality on the pitch is very important to us. I’m happy for him because he’s a top kid.”

Adding further, the veteran midfielder said that the older generation at Real Madrid is getting along perfectly with the younger generation, and if they fight together, the team can achieve its goal.

“They already demonstrated last season that they can solve games with their football and daring nature. But I always say that the most important thing is the team. If we are together and we fight for each other; then one day one will shine. If we are together and we fight for each other; then one day one will shine. 

“One day Vini will stand out, one day Karim and one day Fede. The most important thing is to fight for our teammates, to maintain this atmosphere that we have in the locker room. The unity we have between the youngsters and us, the older ones (laughs) is very important.”

Upon asking what kind of difference he feels between players of his age and the younger generation, he added,

“I don’t know, honestly. There have always been young stars and there are young players who keep coming. There is no difference. In these times, maybe they pay more attention to social networks, which before there weren’t so many. Times change.”

Speaking about his physical health, he said: “My physical condition and my health are very important to me and when I was injured I wanted to do everything possible to play these games. I still remember 2015, when I was injured before the games against Atletico and Juve. 

“I didn’t want this to happen again. I tried to do something different on the advice of some friends and I came back sooner than I thought. The important thing is that I feel good. I wanted to be there and here I am.”

Lastly, Modric gave his option about the performance in the first leg, saying that everybody knew the game would not be decided in that round.

“We knew that this tie was not going to be decided in the first leg. We didn’t start well, but then we had our moment… We are in good shape and I think we are 50-50. Small details will decide it because we are two great teams with top players,” he concluded.