Luka Modric has revealed how his supreme World Cup 2018 exploits have left him drained for Real Madrid.

Modric, 33, came away with the Golden Ball for best player after he led Croatia to defeat in the final to France. These exploits, however, came at a cost.

“After the World Cup, it is logical that mentally you cannot keep the same rhythm, there is a lot of intensity in little time and you pay for it,” he told reporters ahead of Thursday’s Nations League decider with Spain.

“At the World Cup, everything went perfectly we were all at a great level and after it has been difficult to keep the same level.”

Modric has produced two assists in 12 La Liga displays this term.