Modric: Ronaldo & Messi not attending award ceremony is unfair to others

In an exclusive interview with Croatian media Sportske novosti, Luka Modric has hit out at both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on declining to attend the Best FIFA Football Awards and Ballon d'Or ceremonies this 

Luka Modric ends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's 10-year duopoly on Best FIFA Men's Player and Ballon d'Or this year, having helped Real Madrid to the third consecutive Champions League title and Croatia national team to World Cup runners-up.

However, it has drawn criticism about the credentials of both awards - and both Messi and Ronaldo did not attend the ceremony.

For the first time ever, Modric has spoken about his feelings - and he certainly does not hold back.

How do you feel about Messi and Ronaldo not attending Ballon d'Or ceremony?

I can't say why somebody decided not to show up, that's their choice. It doesn't make much sense to me not to attend, though.

I guess they liked showing up when they were winning the awards. Such behavior is unfair towards the other players, the fans, the game and finally towards the voters who gave them the award for 10 years in a row. But I guess everyone acts as they please...

Maybe they didn't like you ending their domination in this competition? And Messi did vote for you, to be fair.

Look, it's all very simple to me. Messi and Ronaldo are two football phenoms that have been dominating the game for the last decade.

They are a cut above the rest, skill-wise. But this is a seasonal award. Most of the players, managers, football legends, journalists and fans voted for the same winner (in major award shows this year).

I guess they are all wrong? If we are giving out awards based on skill only, then just cancel the voting and give them all to Messi and Ronaldo.

It looks like Real Madrid are extending your contract with a pay rise?

What is certain for sure is that I will be a member of Real until the end of the contract.