The captain of the Croatian Football Team said on Tuesday he believes a second Champions League trophy in a row with Real Madrid is possible, but added they must first defeat on Wednesday Italian Napoli in the eighth finals
“Never has a team won the trophy twice in a row, but I believe we can be the first to successfully defend the title,” said Modrić at a press conference in Madrid, as Tportal reported on February 14, 2017. “Napoli is the first obstacle. We must go one game at a time,” he added.
Sitting in the VIP box at Santiago Bernabeu will be former Argentinean footballer Diego Maradona, who wore the Napoli jersey in 1987 when they won the Italian Championship and Cup. “Yes, I know him. We saw each other last at The Best awards ceremony. He is one of the best players in the history of football and I am glad he is here. Thank God he’s not playing,” said Modrić.
The second game is set for March 7 in Napoli. Last season Real won this competition after defeating Atletico Madrid in a penalty shootout. Modrić returned to the pitch on Sunday after a three-week pause due to problems with his thigh muscle. Luka is closing in on 200 games played in the “Los Blancos” jersey since 2012.
“It’s a nice number. I hope to play many more games. If you ask me what has changed, I would say I’ve grown as a layer and person. Being surrounded each day with great players and coaches does that. I am very satisfied and want to stay here for many more years,” he said.
Napoli is arriving in Madrid with large ambitions, looking to succeed where they failed 30 years ago in the first round of the former Cup of Champions.
“Napoli is a good team, both in offence and the middle. It will be a tough fight, it’s important for us to open the game well, play well and clinch a favourable score ahead of the second game,” stated Modrić.
The Croatian midfielder noted Real Madrid is in good shape. “This is a good moment, we’ve won the last two games, trained well so we are ready to offer a quality match.” Yet, Real was stopped in the quarterfinals of the Spanish Cup by Celta Vigo which encouraged the Italians. “We must forget that loss, this is a different competition so we need to look forward.”
