The latest issue of Champions magazine catches up with Luka Modrić, the quiet man conducting Tottenham Hotspur FC's symphony. The Croatian international midfielder talks about his formative years, influences and defensive duties at White Hart Lane.

Staying with middle men, FC Barcelona enforcer Sergio Busquets tells Champions he is happy for his team-mates to take the plaudits while he does the dirty work, but admits "the nicest thing in football is scoring a goal".

Recently on the scoresheet for his Chelsea FC side, Brazil midfielder Ramires reveals his toughest challenge yet – making it through the Stamford Bridge karaoke night in order to fulfil his dream of playing in the UEFA Champions League.

Up front, Raúl González is no stranger to success in Europe's premier club competition. In an exclusive interview, the arch goalscorer discusses his new adventure at FC Schalke 04, his duel with Filippo Inzaghi and how long he intends to carry on.

Two years ago, AC Milan centre-back Alessandro Nesta feared his career was over. Yet the princely defender fought back and, in a rare and candid interview, he speaks about the rage that spurred him on.

As this season's tournament nears its climax, Champions checks out the quarter-finalists, celebrates the excitement of the knockout rounds and asks where have all the English goalkeepers gone.

Elsewhere, Philippe Auclair recalls the triumphant FC Nantes team of the mid-1990s; 2010 finalist Louis van Gaal leafs through the photo album to chart his long career; famous names explain the art of Italian defending; and we salute the newly retired Ronaldo, reviewing the former Brazil striker's 18 UEFA Champions League goals.