Off an impressive Champions League return leg performance against Atletico Madrid, Luka Modric admitted that fitness has allowed him to be at his best.
With the help of fitness coach Antonio Pintus, his return to top physical condition has coincided with those of several other members of the squad for the most important part of the season.

"I feel well physically, which is crucial to be at the level expected of me," Modric told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti. "Personally, I am happy with my performances but the most important thing is that Real Madrid are in the final.

"After my arthroscopy, I came back but then had a problem in my adductor," the Croat explained. 

"I had lost my rhythm."I realised I had to recover my fitness levels if I was to have the level needed at the end of the season."