Florentino Perez: Modric is worthy of winning the Ballon d'Or again

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez spoke to Movistar after his side won the Spanish Supercopa by beating Athletic Club 2-0 on Sunday.

"Winning this trophy means a lot," Perez said. "We're at the start of a new era with a coach that knows us well, a defence we have change and results have been good until now," he said.

And he added that "We're happy and optimistic of finding a new path, which is winning, which is what we wanted."

Madrid's win over Athletic featured two penalties for handballs -- one for each team. Karim Benzema converted for Los Blancos but Raul Garcia missed for the Basque side.

"I never speak about the referees," Perez said.

On an individual level, he highlighted Marcelo, Courtois and Modric: "Marcelo's a great, a Madrid legend that came here as an 18-year-old. I am delighted he got that ovation when he came on today in a place that knows a lot about football and where there are a lot of Madridistas."

On Courtois and Modric, he said: "Without wanting to boast, they're both the best in their position. Modric is worthy of winning the Ballon d'Or again."