Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
Carlo Ancelotti heaped reward on Luka Modric, labelling him “a present for soccer” after the veteran midfielder scored a sensational purpose in Actual Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Girona on Sunday.
The 39-year-old broke the impasse within the forty first minute on the Santiago Bernabeu earlier than Vinicius Junior sealed the win with a late purpose. The consequence ensured Madrid stored tempo with Barcelona on the prime of the LaLiga standings.
Regardless of his age, Modric stays a worthwhile presence within the squad, although he’s not a assured starter.
This season, he has featured in simply 9 league video games from the start, with a further 15 appearances coming off the bench.
“Modric is a present for soccer,” Ancelotti stated throughout his post-match press convention. “He ought to hold going for so long as he needs to. No matter he does, he does effectively. Soccer, and we at Actual Madrid, have been fortunate to have him as a legend. He has been a present, together with his high quality and his professionalism.”
Set to show 40 in September, Modric is the oldest participant to ever characterize Actual Madrid. Along with his contract expiring this summer season, questions stay about his future, however his affect on the staff stays plain.
🚨🇪🇸 GOAL | Actual Madrid 1-0 Girona | Modric
WHAT A FANTASTIC GOAL FROM MODRIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/a9DY3lJsFB
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) February 23, 2025
Ancelotti drew parallels between Modric and one other legendary footballer he beforehand coached, AC Milan icon Paolo Maldini, who lifted the Champions League trophy at 38 earlier than retiring two years later.
“I’ve an instance of one other participant, Maldini, you’ll be able to examine each of them,” Ancelotti added. “They’re improbable function fashions. It isn’t a coincidence that they reached 40. Genes are an element, however above all professionalism, seriousness, angle.”
Reflecting on his purpose, Modric stated:”I don’t know if it’s considered one of my most spectacular [goals], however it was good.
“It’s all the time particular to attain on the Bernabeu. The current video games present we’re in a superb second. We’ve to maintain going. I believe we will nonetheless develop as a staff.”
Wanting forward, Actual Madrid face a demanding run of video games, beginning with a Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg conflict towards Actual Sociedad on Wednesday. That might be adopted by a LaLiga encounter with Actual Betis earlier than a vital Champions League round-of-16 tie towards metropolis rivals Atletico Madrid.
