It is clear from Modric’s example that quality and commitment, rather than age, are what matter most.
In fact, the midfield guru, who turns 38 today, is poised to make club history at the organization where he has spent more than ten years.
Modric is approaching history.According to AS, Modric is now seated at a table with top footballers who did not allow the passage of time to diminish their abilities.Only three players—Ferenc Puskás, Paco Buyo, and Jerzy Dudek—have competed for Real Madrid after reaching 38.Luka Modric is next in line; by the end of the current season, he may surpass the previous record and become the senior player for Los Blancos.Puskas, who represented Real Madrid at the age of 38 years and 234 days, is now in possession of the record.With 38 years and 63 days, Buyo is the second-oldest, just four days older than Dudek.Starting with matchdays 13 (Real Madrid-Valencia) and 14 (Cádiz-Real Madrid), respectively, Modric would surpass the stats of Dudek and Buyo.Puskas is the last obstacle to overcome. To break this record, Modric would need to play in one of the final five matches of the current La Liga season.Modric is not attempting to slack off.Today marks Luka Modric’s 38th birthday. (Image courtesy of Tim Warner/Getty Images))Despite turning 38 years old today, Modric hasn’t demonstrated any symptoms of losing his motivation.In a recent interview, he commented on his diminished position at Real Madrid thus far this season:”When they are eliminated from a game, nobody is delighted. After all, I don’t think I’ve ever sat out three straight games in my career, so I found that feeling particularly odd. I won’t fall or slump as a result, for sure.I continue to be adamant that I can still play when Real Madrid needs me to.Despite the fact that Modric is obviously in the final years of his career, he has stated a desire to continue fighting at the top level.“We don’t give up, although we are aware that the end of the story is near. That’s only natural,” he added.