Carlo Ancelotti described Luka Modric as a “present to soccer” following his spectacular objective in Actual Madrid’s 2-0 win over Girona on the Santiago Bernabeu.
Modric, Ballon d’Or winner in 2018, scored Madrid’s opener, controlling a looping clearance from a nook together with his chest earlier than unleashing a elegant long-range volley that arrowed into the highest nook within the forty first minute.
The 39-year-old, who has lifted 28 trophies since he joined the Spanish giants in 2012, shall be out of contract on the finish of the season.
In his press convention after the match, Ancelotti mentioned Modric needs to be allowed to go away the membership on his personal phrases and in contrast the midfielder’s longevity to considered one of his former gamers – AC Milan and Italy nice Paolo Maldini.
“Modric is a present to soccer. He ought to keep so long as he desires to. What he does he does very nicely. We now have been fortunate to have a legend with us,” Ancelotti informed reporters.
“Soccer has been given a present by his seriousness, high quality and professionalism.
“I had one other 40-year-old participant, who was Maldini. The 2 may be in contrast in what a footballer must be. They’re implausible examples. It’s not by likelihood that they’ve reached 40. Genetics matter, but additionally dedication, angle.”
@MrAncelotti: “Modrić is a present for soccer.”
Press convention RM Play— Actual Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) February 23, 2025
Madrid’s win moved them as much as 54 factors after 25 video games and snapped a three-game winless run.
Ancelotti’s aspect are stage with Barcelona on the prime of LaLiga however path on the head-to-head rely. Atletico Madrid are third with 53 factors.
The Italian supervisor mentioned he was happy together with his crew’s efficiency in opposition to Girona, regardless of it falling in need of the extent they displayed in a 3-1 win over Manchester Metropolis within the Champions League knockout part playoffs on Wednesday.
“It typically occurs that once you management a sport nicely and also you don’t rating greater than 1-0, you will get a draw,” he added.
“They’d the prospect to equalise on a counter assault, after a nook. The second objective killed the sport. It may have been completed earlier, however the crew performed nicely.
“It wasn’t simple to repeat the dedication of Wednesday’s sport, however with this schedule, I favored the angle. Even when it wasn’t on the stage of the match in opposition to Metropolis.”
Actual subsequent face Actual Sociedad within the first leg of a Copa del Rey semi-final tie on Wednesday, earlier than travelling to Actual Betis for a league conflict on March 1.
