(Football news) Luka Modric's Real Madrid career has been nothing short of legendary. After a decade-long career with Los Blancos that is still going strong, the Croatian was given MARCA's Leyenda award. The Spanish newspaper gives the award to sportsmen around the world. Notable winners include Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, Novac Djokovic, Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres among others. 10 years ago no one in the world, especially people at Marca, thought that Modric would win the award. 

Luka Modric had a really good spell at Tottenham Hotspur and after a certain point he became too good for the club. Chelsea made numerous attempts to sign the Croatian but Tottenham rejected all of them. Modric had to go on strike as he refused to play in order to force a move. Things changed when Real Madrid came into the picture and secured his signature for £30 million. Luka Modric initially failed to break into Real Madrid's midfield which consisted of Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil. Marca named him as the worst signing of the season but manager Jose Mourinho defended the Croatian by saying “All I ask from the Madridistas is to give Luka Modric some time and be patient. He is so good that the Santiago Bernabéu will fall in love with his class,”.

Mourinho's statement has aged perfectly as the Bernabeu is head over heels in love with Luka Modric. The Croatian over the years established himself as the best midfielder in the world. His highest point was 2018 when he won the Champions League, leading Croatia to the World Cup final and winning the Ballon d'or among other personal accolades. Now at the age of 36, the midfielder still continues to produce magic for Real Madrid in big games. Despite his age, the Los Blancos are prepared to offer Luka Modric a new contract. While receiving the award Modric said that Madrid is his home and he hopes to retire at the Santiago Bernabeu. Receiving an honorary award from the same newspaper that once named him a flop is a true reflection of Luka Modric's brilliance.

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