Carlo Ancelotti was in a laughing mood on Sunday in Riyadh. The Real Madrid coach had plenty. Because his team started the year ideally by winning their first trophy since the Italian’s return to the Madrid bench. Because she did it with style, confirming her victory against Barça (3-2 ap) in the semi-finals with a success against Athletic Bilbao (2-0) in the final. Also, because his frames always seem to get better with age. Karim Benzema is a perfect example. Luka Modric too.
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The Croatian leader may be 36 years old, his talent does not age. If he was elected man of the match against Bilbao, it was not only for his superb goal which initiated the merengue victory. But good for the whole of a performance, embellished with technical gestures of which he has the secret and with choices of game always dazzling with accuracy, which gave yet another dimension to his remarkable season. Funny, therefore, Ancelotti allowed himself to chamber him when his midfielder returned with his trophy. For a missed pass largely overshadowed by his recital.
“I’m not tired of winning”
Modric still embodies this Real as much as ever. With an incomparable and stainless class. And an invariable rage to win. “Even those who have won a lot in their career keep the same commitment, underlined Ancelotti after the final whistle. For (Luka) Modric, for (Toni) Kroos, defending is not a problem. They do it with goodwill. When you win a lot, you believe that you are the most beautiful, that you play the best football in the world, and your sacrifice for the team drops a little. But these players always sacrifice themselves in the same way, they do not believe that they are the most beautiful. And it’s true, they’re not (laughs).“
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The number 10 of Real has many other qualities. His tour de force is still knowing how to fully express them despite all these years of lasting at the highest level. “I’m not tired of winning, he insisted to the press in Riyadh. This club has taught us that the most important thing is to win. And so far, we’re not doing too badly. It’s the first title of the season, but we haven’t done anything yet. We’re only halfway through the season. And if we keep it up, maybe we’ll win one or two more.”
Extension ? “It takes two minutes…”
The ambition is not excessive for the one who is at 18 trophies with the White House. At the top of La Liga, Real Madrid has given itself the means to regain the title of Spanish champion abandoned last season to neighbor Atlético. The merengue club can also dream of a first European title since 2018. The incredible draw for the round of 16 did not spare it with a shock against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 next month. But this Real can beat anyone. Especially when he can rely on a Modric at this level.
The management of the White House is fully aware of this. She does not seem to be willing to put an end to a love affair that has lasted for almost ten years with her Croatian magician. The extension of a contract which expires next June is already in the pipeline. If she is not signed yet, the Ballon d’Or 2018 does not worry about it. “I have a good relationship with the club, I’m sure we’ll come to an agreement, he assured. Contract extensions have always taken us two minutes to seal, so I’m really not concerned about that..”
A guarantee of success
Modric and Real have no reason not to prolong the pleasure. The player is unanimous in Madrid on his level of performance, as well as his ability to embody this club eager for titles and spectacle. The trio he composes with Toni Kroos and Casemiro in midfield remains one of the best midfielders in the world and a guarantee of success for the merengue club. Surely, too, the key to the double confrontation that awaits the White House against PSG, which has been rather deficient in this sector since the start of the season.
While waiting for the big thrill, Modric appreciates the present moment. Knowing how to stay at the top at 36 does not prevent him from being aware of certain realities. “Me, I savor like never before, he insisted again. More so now, because you never know how long you’ll last at this level. But I do everything to last. For me there is nothing better than playing for Real Madrid and winning titles.” And for all football fans, there’s nothing better than watching Modric tirelessly recite his score in an endless symphony.
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