Real Madrid is a club that relies on old guard as much as it does on youngsters. One such old guard, Luka Modric has had a breathtaking career in the sport. Modric is an integral part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, even at 36-year-old. The Croatian has defied age at all levels now. It’s no longer justified that we measure his level with the rest of the footballers. Modric is unique.
Signed as a 27-year-old from Tottenham back in 2012, Modric has given us a decade of pure entertainment and joy. His start to life in Madrid was a bit slow, even getting infamously tagged as the worst signing of the season by Marca.
Six years and multiple trophies from that moment, Modric won the Ballon D’Or in 2018. This was due to his heavy influence in Real Madrid winning the Decimotercera and Croatia’s run to the final of the World Cup.
Luka Modric has won multiple accolades at Real Madrid. His trophy cabinet includes 4 Champions Leagues, 4 Club World Cups, 3 European Super Cups, 2 La Ligas, 3 Spanish Super Cups, and 1 Copa del Rey. During his time at the Spanish Capital, the Croatian has established himself as one of the best players of the generation and one of the finest midfielders the sport has ever seen.
Luka Modric extending through the age of 37 is a mind-blowing feat
Modric’s elegance, trickery, work rate, defensive awareness, dribbling, and passing are all elite. These qualities have made him an all-round midfielder and ensured his prolonged stay at one of the best clubs in the world. More is yet to come from Modric. He is still dictating and deciding games as good as ever. Modric has played 69 games for Real Madrid after turning 35. Only three other players; Gento, Di Stefano, and Michelangelo have surpassed this feat.
As a result of his dedication, performances, and love for the club, the Croatian captain is set to receive a contract extension. Modric’s current contract ends in 2022. According to reports, the club and player are close to agreeing to extend his contract until 2023.
Carlo Ancelotti recently stated:
"Luka Modrić has not signed the contract renewal yet, but he practically has a lifetime contract with Real Madrid."
A contract extension for a 36-year old player at Real Madrid would seem unthinkable. Perez is notoriously known for being hesitant in offering contracts to players above 30, let alone 36! Even other all-time Real Madrid greats Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t force Perez to budge from his stance.
And yet, Luka Modric has achieved it. We can’t stop praising Luka Modric, there is simply no ending to it. It’s a blessing to be able to see Modric getting the contract extension. The KCM trio will rule the Bernebeu for yet another year.