Real Madrid Croatian speaks about Ramos, Cristiano, Bale, Kovacic...

In his native Zadar, Luka Modric took some time out to explain what he thinks of his coach, Zinedine Zidane, his friends like Kovacic, Bale and Ramos, and Cristano Ronaldo as well as the promise shown by Marco Asensio.

It's clear that the Croatian's love for the game endures.

MARCA caught up with him for an exclusive interview.

Do you talk about football with Zidane?

"Yes, quite a lot. He likes it too. We talk about everything. Some of the old times in particular. I like to know something about him, how he did some things ... It's nice to talk about football with him because he knows a lot. Everything he has been through...it helps me to think on the pitch."

How did your friendship with Ramos begin?

"Naturally, spontaneously. These friendships, when they are born like this, are better. We have a very good relationship, I'm very happy to have him as a friend."

Modric: When you win, you want more and more

And what do you have in common? It will not be flamenco ...

"[Laughter] No, our characters, our way of being, I can always count on him to help me in difficult situations, in all aspects."

He also imitates your voice very well ...

"[Laughs again] Yes, he likes it. I speak like that in principle and everyone took my voice and they always talk like me. It's good and it's fun."

You have had many captains. What does Ramos have that others don't?

"I wouldn't like to compare him with others. Srna was a very good captain and I have a friendship with him. Sergio as a captain you can always count on him, he is always there, for the team, to fight...his character, he never gives up. He leaves everything on the field and is the best possible captain for us."

Bale has not integrated so much into the dressing room ... do you think he lacks leadership at Real Madrid?

"Gareth has always been like that. At Tottenham as well. It is part of his character. He will do everything for the team and that is the most important thing. He doesn't want to be above the team and is very humble. We're not going to change Gareth, that's the way he is and we have to accept it. He has had a very difficult year, with a lot of injuries, but he started the season very well and he was our best player. For him it is important to be healthy and I hope we can see the best Gareth this year."

Ramos imitates Modric

You already said that you had patience with Kovacic ... and you have had a great season. Are you preparing him to be your heir?

"Hehe. I still don't want to stop playing and I have many years left. Mateo has his virtues, you see that on the pitch. We do not have to pressure him saying he's my heir or the heir to another ... We have to leave him, with his playing style. I have always trusted him, and in the future he will be a very important player for Madrid."

Did Asensio surprise you?

"Yes, a little. I knew when I saw him two years ago in the preseason that he had talent, he had something. But being so young, I didn't think that he would have a season like he just has. He's been very important, and done great things."

And Cristiano? As a teammate, how has this soap opera that already seems finished affected everyone?

"I've never heard Cristiano say that he wants to go. In football everything is possible, but I think the connection and the relationship between Madrid and Ronaldo is so strong that I think he will continue to be a Real Madrid player."

Do you play better knowing that behind you have a bodyguard like Casemiro?

"Yes, Casemiro is a very important player for us, not only because he plays well defensively and runs a lot, but also because he knows how to play. He scores, as he did in the final, and in other important matches. I am happy for him because he is a top guy, a very humble and good person. He has accomplished everything with his work."