"He trains every day like it's his last"- Carlo Ancelotti hails Real Madrid superstar, calls him a 'great' of the game

Modified Mar 07, 2025 16:56 GMT

Real Madrid C.F. v Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg - Source: Getty

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that Luka Modric is one of the best players in history. The Italian tactician also revealed that Modric always gives his best and is outstanding in training.

At age 39, Modric has shown that he's a player with a decent amount of longevity on the pitch. His experience has also been key in the development of players like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni in midfield.

In a press conference ahead of Madrid's La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano, Ancelotti shared his thoughts about Modric. He said (via Madrid Xtra):

"Luka Modrić is a great. One of the best ever. And he still is. He trains every day like it's his last. He's a crack. He's amazing."

Arguably the most experienced player in Los Blancos' squad this season, Modric has proven to be a consistent midfielder. The veteran is best known for his remarkable passes and vision to transmit the ball from midfield to attack in quick succession.

Modric has mostly featured as a second-half substitute for Real Madrid this season. However, in 41 games, he has scored four goals and registered six assists.

While Madrid's midfield is arguably in its modification period, Modric's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires in the summer. Winning a trophy in what seems to be his final season at the club would be the icing on the cake to mark Modric's illustrious career.

"I feel good with the players" - Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti

Madrid's boss has revealed that he has a strong connection with his players and considers them to be part of his family. This is coming after his squad has proven to be outstanding across several competitions this season.

In a press conference, Ancelotti shared his thoughts about his players at the Bernabeu. He said (via Madrid Xtra):

"I feel good with the players, I'm very attached to them, I consider these players family. I respect them. This is what my family taught me."

Los Blancos are ranked third in the LaLiga standings, having registered 54 points from 26 games this season. In the UEFA Champions League, Madrid are one victory away from reaching the quarterfinals of this season's edition of the competition. Real Madrid will take on Rayo Vallecano in their next league game on Sunday (March 9).

About the author

Abel is an European football journalist who focuses primarily on analysis pieces and preview copies at Sportskeeda. A B.Sc degree holder in Economics, he has a previous work experience of 3 years – a year at Opera News Hub where he was promoted as a 'Verified Sports Writer,’ and over two years at Sportskeeda as a revenue-share writer, where his writing skills have ultimately led him to be integrated into the in-house team.

A Manchester United fan who grew up in a family of Red Devils supporters, he started his journey as an ardent football fan in his childhood. He used to spend hours watching the sport with his family and developed a knack for writing about the beautiful game over the years.

He is a huge admirer of Paul Pogba owing to the midfielder's ability to thread passes from anywhere on the pitch and his favorite manager is Jose Mourinho due to the Portuguese's tactical mind. He feels France's triumph in 2018 is his all-time favorite World Cup moment, and reckons Lamine Yamal and Endrick could replicate the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Abel always strives to verify information, especially statistics, before penning a word and offers constructive but not defamatory criticisms. Apart from Europe's top five leagues, he follows the Eredivisie and the Primeira Liga. He loves to spend his free time playing video games like EA FC and watching movies.

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Edited by Tejas Rathi