Luka Modric beat off competition from Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo to win the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award.

The former Real Madrid talisman was heavily criticized for snubbing the UEFA awards gala.

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However, Luka Modric who spent six years at the Santiago Bernabeau has disclosed that Ronaldo despite failing to show up for the gala sent a message to indicate that he deserves the honours as the European best player.

"I have a good relationship with him, he sent me a message congratulating me for winning it and that he hopes to see me soon,” Modric, who played in Croatia's draw with a Ronaldo-less Portugal on Thursday night, said.

"I get on well with Cristiano, we will continue to do so, nothing will change.

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The individual awards are important but the most important is the group.

"I am happy to be (in the list for The Best). The players and coaches decide so we will see."

Modric was also named the best player at the World Cup after helping Croatia to the final where they were beaten by France.

Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates were knocked out by Uruguay at the last-16 stage.