GdS: ‘Timeless’ Modric bosses Milan derby at 40 – what filters on his future

It shouldn’t be a surprise anymore given the levels we have seen so far this season, but Luka Modric bossed the Milan derby at the age of 40.

La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) recall that Modric played another monstrous performance in midfield, as happens almost every week. The Croatian was watched by his great friend and former Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos who was in the crowd, and he ran the show in midfield.

The eternal maestro

The paper adds that Modric fought and pressed ‘like a child’ despite being 40 years of age. The Rossoneri No.14 was one of the most applauded by the fans, who still hope he’ll stay for another season.

Rumours about his future have been swirling for weeks, and after the game he addressed them for the first time speaking to DAZN: “There are always rumours surrounding the team, but I don’t care. I’m very happy here.

“It was great to see Sergio Ramos at the stadium. When the captain comes here, you have to win (laughs). I don’t think about anything else, I just think about working.”

Modric didn’t reveal much, though he admitted – and there was no need to – that he’s feeling very good at Milan. He’s always told the club’s management that he’ll only make a decision on his future once the season is over.

The Ballon d’Or winner – who has an option to extend his contract for another year – will have to think about several things, primarily his motivation and his physical condition. A game like last night though must be proof that he can still do it, and the emotional high will help.

His stats from last night read as follows: 89% pass completion, 8/12 long balls completed, 77 touches, 2/2 tackles won, 3 clearances, 8 recoveries, 3 found duels won and an interception.