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Carlo Ancelotti praised Luka Modric, marking him with a “gift for football” after a veteran midfielder scored a sensational goal in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Girona on Sunday.
The 39-year-old interrupted the anniversary in the 41st minute in the Santiago Bernabeu before Vinicius Junior sealed the victory with a late goal. The result ensured that Madrid kept a step with Barcelona at the top of the Laliga ladder.
Despite his age, Modric remains a valuable presence in the team, although she is no longer a guaranteed starter.
This season he presented from the beginning in only nine league games, with an additional 15 appearances that went out of the bench.
“Modric is a gift for football,” Acelotti said during his press conference after the match. “He should continue for as long as he wants. Whatever he does. He manages well. Football, and we in Real Madrid were lucky to have him as a legend. It was a gift, with his quality and professionalism.”
In September, set for 40 years, Modric is the oldest player who has ever represented Real Madrid. Given that his contract expired this summer, they remain questions about his future, but his influence on this remains undeniable.
🚨🇪🇸 goal | Real Madrid 1-0 Girona | IN
What a fantastic goal of Modric !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/a9dy3jsfb
– SUBCARS FOOT (@tekersfoot) 23. February 2025
Acelotti attracted parallels between Modric and another legendary footballer he had previously trained, AC Milan Icon Paolo Maldini, who abolished the Champions League trophy with 38 before he retired two years later.
“I have an example of another player, Maldini, you can compare them,” Acelotti added. “They are fantastic role models. It is not a coincidence that they have reached 40. Genes are a factor, but above all 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 nice.
“It is always special to score a goal on Bernabeu. Recent games show that we are at a good moment. We have to move on. I think we can still grow like a team.”
Looking in advance, Real Madrid faced a demanding game of games, starting with the semi -final conflict of Copa del Rey’s first leg against Real Sociedad on Wednesday. This will follow the Laliga match with Real Betis before the key connection of the Champions League-16.
