Jorge Mendes isn’t pleased with UEFA’s decision to name Luka Modric as Player of the Season, stating it should have gone to Cristiano Ronaldo.
The former Real Madrid star – now at Juventus – did not attend the ceremony, and there is speculation he didn’t go to Monte Carlo because of the snub.
Although he was named Forward of the Season, the Champions League Player of the Season went to Modric – a decision that Mendes called “ridiculous”.
“Football is played on the field and Cristiano Ronaldo won there, ” he told Portuguese news outlet Record. “He scored 15 goals, carried Real Madrid on his back and conquered the Champions League again.
“It’s simply ridiculous. Ronaldo is the best at his position.”
Man of the moment, Luka Modri?!
???? Champions League
???? Midfielder of the Season
???? Player of the Year #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/rLt9AoR37r— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 30, 2018
The sentiment was shared by Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta, who said he would have voted for Ronaldo.
“I can say that it was a personal decision made during the day not to attend,” the Italian replied when asked about Ronaldo’s absence. “We must and want to respect it. As far as we are concerned, there is a profound disappointment with the decision not to give him the award.
“This is for performances in the Champions League and not the World Cup, so we think Ronaldo should have won.
“If I had voted, I wouldn’t voted for Ronaldo.”
Ronaldo will look to continue his stellar play in the Champions League with Juventus this season. They will battle Manchester United, Valencia and Young Boys in Group H.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com