Modric dedicates Real's win to Balkan flood victims

Zagreb, May 25 (IANS) Luka Modric, who became the second Croatian player in as many years to win the UEFA Champions League football trophy after Real Madrid came from behind to beat town rival Atletico 4-1 in extra time, dedicated the win to flood victims in the Balkans.

Modric played all 120 minutes for Real and had a crucial role in the equaliser by Sergio Ramos in 93rd minute Saturday night in Lisbon. Modric's corner-kick was headed by Ramos past Atletico's goalkeeper Curtois, reports Xinhua.

"I would like to dedicate this trophy to my family, to my wife and daughter, to all the people that were here and to those that unfortunately couldn't be here. I dedicated to my late coach and teacher Tomislav Basic and all people in Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia going through difficult times (due to floods). I hope that they can feel and share some happiness with me in this moment," said Modric.

Few days before the big final, Modric was pictured with motivational message for the flood victims in Balkans and shared it through social media. He didn't forget them in the moment of his biggest triumph.

"The feeling is unbelievable. We were almost defeated but after that goal we knew that we'll win in extra time. It was obvious that Atletico players were tired. This is the best moment of my football career," Modric told Croatian Television.

"We have to be honest and say that Atletico was a better team for the first 60 to 70 minutes of the match. They showed how good they can play and why they are Spanish Champions.

"But we didn't think about defeat. Until the end we believed that we can score and turn around this final. In the end we did score and we were rewarded for all our efforts," Modric added.

Last year Mario Mandzukic scored for Bayern Munich in the final against Borussia Dortmund and became the seventh Croatian player to win the UEFA Champions League. This year Modric got his chance to kiss the most coveted trophy in European football.

Modric will now have a few days off to celebrate the victory. After that he will join his Croatian mates in a training camp.

"This will give me additional power and motivate me even more to prepare as best as I can. I hope that we as a team will have a very good World Cup," Modric said.