“Ramos and Modric: the secrets of an odd couple”
(this is a translation of this hilariously over-the-top article by marca.com. There’s an English version but it’s watered down, so I’ll post my own version here - pics and gifs are my addition):
One of the stellar moments in Real Madrid’s dressing room is Sergio Ramos’ impersonation of Luka Modric. They say it’s perfect, that one can’t tell which of the two is speaking. It’s so good that many cry with laughter - including Luka. A guy known to be charming, endearing and well-loved by everyone, and who has managed to win over the heart of the White’s captain.
It’s a partnership that has starred in two of the happiest moments in Real Madrid’s recent history. The last one, in El Clásico, was another game saving header from the defender with a pass from Modric. Friends and heroes.
“Lukita and I understand each other with a look”, acknowledged Sergio. This was after the free kick goal that evened out the game against Barcelona. Modric was adjusting his headband while looking out for the position of his friend. Five minutes before he had already done so with a similar free kick, but the Croatian had not been so precise then and the ball went above the captain’s head.
But the second one didn’t fail. He aimed the ball precisely and Sergio headed it even better. “You finally managed a good one”, jokingly said Ramos to Modric later in the dressing room. Before that, they had already looked out for each other for a hug on the field when the referee signaled the end of the match. “You and me once again”, they seemed to say. And yes, once again, because a Classic is a Classic, even if the one they settled in Lisbon is the one that will unite them forever.
Real Madrid’s Recipe
Their friendship is a very good deal for Real Madrid on the field. Sergio and Luka are more than friends, they are like brothers. They’re flesh and bone. They go out together with their families, they share their vacation time. Sergio took him out to his estate and Luka invited him to Croatia. In everyday life they are inseparable. They are the last ones to leave the training camp at Valdebebas. Even after everyone else has left, you can still see them over there talking, on the massage tables, in the gym, in the dressing room and even in the sauna. They talk about everything.
They know each other so well that in the Spain-Croatia match from the last European Championship, Modric was the architect of the penalty kick miss from Ramos when the game was tied at 1x1. Luka, who was injured, left the bench to send out instructions to Srna about where Ramos would shoot. This was sent out to the goalkeeper, who dived for the side Modric had guessed and successfully stopped the ball.
Considering all this, it’s surprising that they didn’t start out well at all. In his first months at Real Madrid, Modric didn’t like Ramos’ attitude during the matches. Bold as you like, he said it all to Ramos’ face. It was the best decision he could’ve made because if there’s something that Sergio likes is straightforward people. They cleared up the issue and, without realizing, sealed up a friendship that keeps on growing. Until Lisbon, who sealed them up together for life.
(sorry for any mistakes, English is not my first language… neither is Spanish, LOL)
