Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric says winning the Club World Cup would be the ideal way to end the year.

Real begin their title defence against Kashima Antlers.

Modric said, "It's a very important challenge for us. What this team has, and has proven many times, is quality and character. Despite the difficult times and the problems we've encountered along the way, we always know how to overcome them. We're prepared for what awaits us and we want to finish this year, which has been perfect, in the best possible way".

"After winning the Champions League three times in a row, we want to do the same with the Club World Cup. For Real Madrid it's always important to win titles and we want to win this for the third time in a row. For me it's always important to help the team in the best way possible, I'm not overly concerned with the individual side of things. The important thing is how we're going to play as a team, take on this challenge and win the title."