‘Not awarding top prize to Ronaldo is shameful’

Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes, an influential figure among football agents, has slammed UEFA after Ronaldo was overlooked for the top prize as Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Luka Modic won the UEFA Player of the Year award yesterday.

Ronaldo himself was absent from the award ceremony with former teammate Sergio Ramos saying that he was surprised that the Portuguese did not show up.

Modric was the hero for Croatia as they made it to the final of the recently concluded World Cup in Russia. The Croat, who collected 313 points, 90 more than Ronaldo, was chosen by 60 coaches from the Champions and Europa League competitions and 55 journalists from across Europe.

“Football is played on the field and that’s where Cristiano won," Mendes told Record.

"He scored 15 goals, carried Real Madrid on his back and conquered the Champions League again.

“It’s ridiculous, shameful. The winner is not in doubt, as Ronaldo is the best in his position.”

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta said there was ‘deep bitterness’ in Juve camp over the decision to award Modric the top prize. It was Ronaldo’s 98th minute penalty which ended Juve’s campaign last season at the quarterfinals stage.

"The no-show was a personal decision of Cristiano, which we want to respect," he told Sky Sport.

"Our criticism concerns a deep bitterness for this decision, because the award refers to the Champions League and not to the World Cup and I believe that Cristiano Ronaldo has given the best emotions of the last edition and also fantastic goals,” he said.