Mateo Kovacic, a Chelsea player, discusses playing with Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as his screamer in the match against Liverpool.

Kovacic and Modric have formed one of the most powerful midfield partnerships in international football since Kovacic’s 2013 senior cap.

In 2015, when Kovacic transferred from Inter to Real Madrid, the two became club teammates. In the most recent episode of Box to Box, the current Chelsea player discussed their blossoming relationship with the veteran playmaker with GOAL.

“My relationship with all the players is amazing, especially with Luka [Modric],” added Kovacic. From the time I arrived in Madrid, we clearly became even closer, and now we enjoy each other’s company. He was my childhood hero. Being friends with someone as influential as this is incredible. I am greatly impacted by him.

Modric gave Kovacic a lot of advice, but if he had to pick just one, it would be to keep your ego in check when you’re performing well and to not beаt yourself up too much when you’re not. Have self-assurance. Never let your guard down and give it your all on the field.

Obviously, that illustrious Madrid squad contained more than just Modric.

Among the many world-renowned players Kovacic shared the field with was the tyrannical Cristiano Ronaldo, who he credits with guiding him in his personal and professional life.

Even though there were some major players, I was apprehensive at first because I was just 21 years old.While speaking at a PUMA event, the Chelsea midfielder confessed to GOAL that training was really challenging and constantly competitive. “When I look back now, it was a huge pleasure to have such big players around me and I learned a lot.”It taught me a lot and had fantastic personalities. There was, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo up front, and my bond with Luka made him one of the leaders there. In and out of the game, he was a leader.

Kovacic has emerged as a pivotal midfielder for Chelsea despite being 28 years old and bearing a great deal of experience.

In 2021–22, the Croat not only won the Europa League, UEFA Suρer Cup, and Champions League, but he also received the club’s goal of the season for his daring volley against Liverpool.

Kovacic described the strike to GOAL as the “most beautiful” one he had ever scored.

“The goal against Liverpool was amazing and it was just pure instinct,” he commented. I wasn’t sure whether to shoot or try to control the ball as I saw it descending from the sky. Thanks be to God, I was able to shoot it and it went in, even though I usually have control. Therefore, I consider it the most exquisite goal I have ever scored.

Visit GOAL’s YouTube Channel to view the complete Box to Box episode.