New Delhi: Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has said that Luka Modric is “a gift to football” following the midfielder’s amazing goal in their side’s 2-0 win against Girona. Modric broke the deadlock for Los Blancos four minutes before the break before Vinicius Junior contributed with the second goal in the closing minutes of the game, keeping themselves level on point with Barcelona in the La Liga table.
The Croatian hasn’t been Madrid’s regular starter and has just made nine starts in the league this season. He has made another 15 as substitutes for the side but is still crucial in the Madrid mix, which now has a star lineup including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius.
Speaking about the 39-year-old midfielder, Ancelotti noted that Modric should continue his career as long as he could pointing out that he had a Midas touch in every action he takes on field. The Italian manager noted that Madrid was “lucky” to have someone like Modric on their side, mentioning his “quality and professionalism”.
Moridc’s contract with Madrid is set to be over in the summer and is currently the oldest player to have ever played for Real Madrid and football has seen one of its finest players ever. Modric will be turning 40 in September and Ancelotti drew comparisons with AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini who won Champions League 2007 at the age of 38 and retired a couple of years later. Ancelotti noted that it wasn’t just good genes that let them play top-tier football until 40 but also their professionalism and approach to the game.
Modric himself commented on the goal, noting it was “special” to score at home in Bernabeu, though he wasn’t sure if it was his best goal. The Croatian midfielder felt that the side had good momentum at their side and would need to build on it and called out for scope of improvement in the team.
⚪️✨ Luka Modrić: “I am very grateful for the love from the Real Madrid fans”.
“I can only say thank you… the goal is simple, you just have to shoot!”. 😁 pic.twitter.com/FIlmjJqciQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 23, 2025
Madrid will next play Real Sociedad on Wednesday for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal before facing Real Betis in La Liga. In the UEFA Champions League, Madrid are drawn against their city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final-16 clash.
David Alaba showing signs of a return
Ancelotti also said that David Alaba could be starting in the Champions League game after playing 73 minutes against Girona, in what was his first start following an ACL injury which kept him out of the game for 13 months. Ancelotti had confidence in the former Bayern Munich defender but had chosen not to risk him with a start against Manchester City Champions League playoff clash.
Ancelotti felt that in this game he had shown composure and was “well-positioned”. He felt the Austrian international had gotten better over recent times. After sustaining an adductor injury which added to his time on the sideline earlier in the month. Ancelotti felt minute after minute, Alaba was getting back to his former self.
Carlo Ancelotti has said that the 39-year-old midfielder Luka Modric stands out with his performance despite his age due to his approach to the game and commitment. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
