Wednesday 11 March 2015 15:23, UK
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was delighted to end his four-month spell on the sidelines when he made his long-awaited return to action against Schalke on Tuesday.
The Croatia international had not featured since November because of a thigh injury, but was brought on as a second-half substitute in Real’s 4-3 defeat to Schalke – a result which saw them progress on 5-4 on aggregate.
Modric, who was inspirational for Real earlier this season, received a standing ovation from the Los Blancos faithful after coming off the bench, and admitted his relief to finally return to action.
"The injury has been extremely tough for me, but thanks to God I have recovered," Modric told his club's official website.
"I'm really happy and I am on my way back.
"I felt really emotional coming on, just like I was the first time I played here.
"I want to thank everyone for the support I received during my injury."
"I felt really emotional coming on, just like I was the first time I played here. I want to thank everyone for the support I received during my injury."
Despite Real's first European defeat of the season, Modric preferred to focus on the positives, with Los Blancos still in contention to become the first team to defend European title in the Champions League era.
"Qualifying to the next stage is really important," Modric added.
"We didn't play well but you have to suffer from time to time and hopefully we will grow stronger from this."
Real fans had hoped the return of Modric would spark their team into life after a disappointing spell in La Liga saw them surrender their lead at the top of the table to arch-rivals Barcelona.
However, Madrid were held to 1-1 draw at home to Villarreal before falling 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
"It can't be up to one player to turn things around, we need to play like a team," Modric said.
"When we do that and fight for each other we are an extremely good team and are very dangerous.
"Hopefully we will get back to playing the way we were at the start of the season. We have the quality and the same players.
"I believe we are going to see the best version of Real Madrid once again in the upcoming matches."
Real host Levante on Sunday before travelling to the Nou Camp for El Clasico on March 22.
