Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti lavished praise on veteran midfielder Luka Modric, hailing him as "a gift to football" after the 39-year-old Croatian scored a stunning goal in Madrid's 2-0 victory over Girona at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday.
Modric, who opened the scoring in the 41st minute before Vinícius Júnior sealed the win late on, continues to demonstrate his enduring class despite his reduced role this season. The Croatian international has made just nine starts in LaLiga, with an additional 15 appearances coming from the bench.
"Modric is a gift for football," Ancelotti declared in his post-match press conference. "He should keep going for as long as he wants to. Whatever he does, he does well. Football, and we at Real Madrid, have been lucky to have him as a legend. He has been a gift, with his quality and his professionalism."
The midfielder, whose contract is set to expire this summer, has already made history as Real Madrid's oldest-ever player. Set to turn 40 in September, Modric's longevity drew comparisons from Ancelotti to another legendary figure, Paolo Maldini, who claimed Champions League glory with AC Milan at 38 before retiring two years later.
"I have an example of another player, Maldini, you can compare both of them," Ancelotti reflected. "They're fantastic role models. It isn't a coincidence that they reached 40. Genes are a factor, but above all professionalism, seriousness, attitude."
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Modric remained modest about his spectacular strike: "I don't know if it's one of my most spectacular [goals], but it was nice. It's always special to score at the Bernabéu... The recent games show we're in a good moment. We have to keep going. I think we can still grow as a team."
The victory keeps Real Madrid in the hunt at the top of LaLiga alongside Barcelona. The team now faces a crucial stretch with upcoming matches against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg, followed by a LaLiga clash with Real Betis and a Champions League round-of-16 encounter with Atlético Madrid. Ancelotti also noted that defender David Alaba is back in contention after making his first start in over a year against Girona.
