UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin insists no-one was aware of Luka Modric winning their 'The Best' award until it was announced.

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo skipped the ceremony amid claims he was angered his former Real Madrid teammate had beaten him to the award.

But Ceferin said: "Why Ronaldo did not come? You should ask him. Ronaldo was expected to come. Then, a few hours before the ceremony, Juventus announced the news.

"I do not know if it's because of the prize given to Modric. I can only tell you that I did not know the result until a week ago. Modric himself was surprised.

"I asked Giorgio Marchetti (assistant secretary) and he replied that nothing would be communicated, not even to the players. Better keep the suspense, right?

"However, I do not know Ronaldo and, perhaps, there are other reasons behind his absence. Better to be optimistic."