Carlo Ancelotti praised Luka Modric, describing him as a “gift of football” after the veteran midfielder scored an exciting goal in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Girona on Sunday.
The 39 -year -old broke the stalemate in the 41st minute in Santiago Bernabeu before Vinicius Junior concluded a late goal. The result guaranteed that Madrid keep up with Barcelona at the top of the Laliga ranking.
Despite his age, Modric is still a valuable presence in the team, although it is no longer a guaranteed start.
This season, he appeared in nine league games only from the start, with 15 additional games starting from the bench.
“Modric is a gift for football,” Ancelotti said during his press conference after the match. “He must continue to go as long as he wants it. All he does, does well. Football, and we are in Real Madrid, we were lucky to have a legend. He was a gift, with his quality and professionalism.”
Modric was appointed at the age of 40 in September, the oldest player to represent Real Madrid. As his contract ends this summer, there are still questions about his future, but his influence on the team is still undeniable.
Goal Real Madrid 1-0 Girona Modric
What a wonderful goal of Modric !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/a9dy3ljsfb
– Tekkers Foot (tekkersfoot) February 23, 2025
Ancelotti drew the similarities between Modric and another legendary soccer player who previously trained, the icon of Milan Paulo Maldini, which raised the Champions League at the age of 38 before its retirement after two years.
“I have an example of another player, Maldini, you can compare each of them,” Ancelotti added. It is a great role model. It is not a coincidence that they reach 40. Genetics are a factor, but above all professionalism, seriousness and position. “
Modric said: “I don’t know if this is one of the most prominent [goals]But it was nice.
“It is always unique to be scored in Bernabeu. The last games show that we are in a good moment. We have to continue. I think we can still grow as a team.”
In the future, Real Madrid is facing a required group of games, starting with the Copa del Rey match in the semi -finals against Real Sociedad on Wednesday. This will follow the Laliga meeting with Real Betis before wandering in the Champions League from 16 against its competitors in the city, Atletico Madrid.