Ancelotti acknowledges that the Real Madrid star has earned an extended stay beyond his current contract, stating they are “fortunate to have him.”

Carlo Ancelotti believes Luka Modric should stay at Real Madrid for as long as he desires, hinting that the Croatian midfielder could extend his contract for another season. If that happens, Modric could continue playing at the top level until nearly 40, a rare achievement in modern football.

 

The veteran was instrumental in Real Madrid’s latest win, helping end a three-game La Liga winless streak. Modric’s stunning goal against Girona showcased his ongoing value to the team.

 

Ancelotti praised Modric, calling him a “gift for football” and emphasizing how fortunate Real Madrid is to have a player who has defined an era with his quality, leadership, and professionalism. The coach believes Modric still has much to offer, encouraging him to remain as long as he wishes.

 

Drawing parallels with the legendary Paolo Maldini, Ancelotti noted their shared longevity and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in football. He compared their resilience, suggesting that genetics, commitment, and attitude are key to reaching such an advanced age in the sport.

 

Given Ancelotti’s support and Modric’s continued excellence on the pitch, it seems likely that Real Madrid may offer him a contract extension.

 

The upcoming UEFA Champions League round of 16 features a thrilling Madrid derby, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid once again facing off. Historically, Real Madrid has had the upper hand in these knockout encounters, with victories in all three previous meetings at this stage.

 

When asked about the upcoming match, former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, now with Al-Ittihad, expressed his loyalty by immediately favoring his former team with a confident smile.

 

This will be the fourth time the two clubs meet in the knockout rounds, and Real Madrid has emerged victorious in all prior encounters. With a record of five wins to Atletico’s two in their nine meetings, Real Madrid has shown dominance over their city rivals in European competitions.