Carlo Ancelotti has praised Luka Modric and labeled him ‘a gift for football’ after the experienced midfielder scored a sensational goal in the 2-0 victory of Real Madrid over Girona on Sunday.
The 39-year-old broke the impasse in the 41st minute in the Santiago Bernabeu before Vinicius Junior sealed the victory with a late goal. The result ensured that Madrid kept pace with Barcelona at the top of the Liga rankings.
Despite his age, Modric remains a valuable presence in the team, although he is no longer a guaranteed starter.
This season he played in just nine league games from the start, with a further 15 performances from the bank.
“Modric is a gift for football,” said Ancelotti during his press conference after the game. “He has to continue as long as he wants. Whatever he does, he is doing well. Football, and we at Real Madrid are lucky that he had him as a legend. He has been a gift with his quality and his professionalism. ‘
Modric is set in September 40 and is the oldest player ever Real Madrid represents. Now that his contract ends this summer, there will be questions about his future, but his influence on the team remains unmistakable.
🚨🇪🇸 Purpose | Real Madrid 1-0 Girona | Modric
What a fantastic goal of Modric !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/a9dy3ljsfb
– Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) February 23, 2025
Ancelotti pulled parallels between Modric and another legendary football player he previously coached, AC Milan Icon Paolo Maldini, who lifted the Champions League trophy at 38 before retiring two years later.
“I have an example of another player, Maldini, you can compare them both,” Ancelotti added. “They are fantastic role models. It is no coincidence that they reached 40. Genes are a factor, but especially professionalism, seriousness, attitude. “
Thinking about his goal, Modric said: “I don’t know if it’s one of my most spectacular [goals]But it was fun.
“It is always special to score at the Bernabeu. The recent gamess show we are at a good time. We have to continue. I think we can still grow as a team. “
Looking ahead, Real Madrid faces a demanding series of games, starting with a Copa del Rey Semi-Final First-Been collision against Real Sociedad on Wednesday. This will be followed by a LaLala meeting with real betis for a crucial Champions League round-of-16 draw against city rivalen Atletico Madrid.
