Modric: The most difficult thing is not to reach the highest level, but to maintain it every year LaLiga - Real Madrid Interview with FourFourTwo

During a recent interview, Real Madrid star, Luka Modric, noted that the most difficult thing was attaining a high level of performance, but consistently keep doing the same to ensure the team remains at the top.

Real have noticed a definite dip after two years of unprecedented success, by way of example.

By far the best year of my career was 2017, it was perfect," the Croatian said to FourFourTwo.

"We won the league and the Champions League in the same year for the first time since the 1950s, the European Super Cup, the Spanish Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

"On a personal level, I was lucky enough to collect some individual prizes, being included in the best team of the year for the Champions League and in LaLiga.

Modric was visibly proud of his achievements, and rightly so, as the midfielder remains one of the best players at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

"If you add that to mnternational success with Croatia, qualifying for the World Cup in Russia, I think 2017 has been a perfect year," he continued.

Looking back upon the year's highlights, the Champions League final win in Cardiff over Juventus particularly stood out for Modric.

The victory gave the Croatian his third Champions League winners medal, which, according to the 32-year old, was the most special.

"I think it was the best team match of the three Champions League finals we've have played in,' he noted.

"And personally, it was my best as well, because when I think of that final, all I feel is pride.

"I had worked all my life for that moment, and becoming the first team to retain the Champions League title was something special."

Modric also talked about the mentality of the changing room during the season.

"The determination inside the changing room to make history was incredible," he said.

"We were all motivated to achieve it and were prepared to give our lives for each other.

"Real Madrid has always had a winning mentality, but attitude was key and it helped us in difficult times, for example in extra time against Bayern Munich.

"We always saw ourselves as winners before every match."

Despite Real's success, there has been an unexpected dip in form for Madrid.

"The results haven't been what we expected," Modric admitted.

"But this is football.

"Last season things went well, this season we have played quite well but it wan't always enough.

"I have no doubt that it is a temporary crisis and that we will achieve our goals from here to the end of the season.

"We are aiming to defend the titles we won last season, and I know it won't be easy, but I will always trust in our quality."