Carlo Ancelotti broke the praise for Luka Modric, pointing out “gift for football”, after the veteran midfielder scored a striking goal in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Girona on Sunday.
The 39 -year -old broke the deadlock in the 41st minute at Santiago Bernabeu before Vinicius Junior sealed the victory with a late goal. The result ensured that Madrid had a pace with Barcelona at the top of Laliga’s rankings.
Despite his age, Modric remains a valuable presence in the team, though he is no longer a guaranteed starter.
This season, it has appeared in just nine league games from the beginning, with an additional 15 appearances coming from the bench.
“Modric is a gift for football,” Ancelotti said during a post -match press conference. “He has to keep going as much as he wants. Whatever he does, he is doing well. Football, and we in Real Madrid, are lucky to have him as a myth. He was a gift, with his quality and professionalism.”
Set to return 40 in September, Modric is the oldest player to ever represent Real Madrid. At the end of his contract this summer, there are questions about his future, but his influence on the team remains undeniable.
🚨🇪🇸 target Real Madrid 1-0 Girona | Method
What a fantastic target from Modric !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/A9DY3LJSFB
– Tekkers Foot (@Tekkersfoot) 23 February 2025
Ancelotti drew parallels between Modric and another legendary footballer he previously trained, AC Milan Paolo Maldini, who lifted the Champions League trophy at 38 before his retirement two years later.
“I have an example of another player, Maldini, you can compare both,” Ancelotti added. “They are fantastic role models. It is no coincidence that they have reached 40.
Reflecting his goal, Modric said: “I don’t know if it’s one of my most spectacular (goals), but it was nice.
“It is always special to score in Bernabeu. Recent games show that we are at a good time. We must continue. I think we can still grow up as a team.”
Looking forward, Real Madrid faces a demanding game of games, starting with a semi -finals Copa del Rey’s first foot clash against Real Sociedad on Wednesday. This will be followed by a Laliga meeting with Real Betis before a crucial Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid opponents.
