Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has hit out at critics of Real Madrid ace Luka Modric over his The Best award.

Modric handed the UEFA gong ahead of Juventus star and former Real teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, which upset many including the Portuguese's agent, Jorge Mendes.

But Rakitic stated: "Luka Modric is the best player this year. He is unique and all Croatians are very proud of him.

"Luka absolutely deserved the prize. About the jealousy of some? Those who are jealous of Luka can die with this jealousy. We have been together eleven years in the national team and I love him as a brother.

"I'm glad he stays on the national team."