The renowned 2018 Ballon d'Or laureate recently granted an interview to the Croatian media outlet 'SN,' in which he reflected on his early-season experiences. During the interview, Luka Modric took the opportunity to discuss his relationship with Karim Benzema, who departed for Saudi Arabia at the conclusion of the previous season.
Luka Modric, who is poised to celebrate his 38th birthday on September 9, remains a pivotal figure in Real Madrid's squad, having extended his contract for an additional season back in June, with the new term set to last until June 2024.
Despite receiving limited playing time at the outset of the season, the Croatian seized the international break as an opportunity to share his expectations and objectives in a candid conversation with 'SN' media:
Regarding his impending birthday, he remarked, "Turning 38 on Saturday is truly fantastic! If someone had told me a decade ago that I would still relish the world of football and all its accompanying facets: the training sessions, the camaraderie with my teammates, the unwavering support of the fans, quite frankly, I would have found it hard to believe."
Commenting on his season's start, Modric acknowledged, "Being benched for three games? Nobody welcomes being sidelined. I've never experienced being on the bench for such an extended period consecutively, so it does feel rather peculiar to me. However, the coach makes the decisions. I certainly won't allow this situation to dampen my spirits or weaken my resolve. If anything, it will only fortify me."
Addressing the rumors of a potential move to Saudi Arabia, he asserted, "I'm content and fulfilled here at Real Madrid; I don't entertain thoughts of anything else. I don't require validation from these tales of lucrative offers to boost my ego. My sole desire is to savor every moment of football and cherish my time at Real Madrid."
Discussing his role in the Madrid locker room, Modric emphasized, "Veterans like us have a duty to aid the younger players in their development and gradually transition into leadership roles. In that regard, I've been fulfilling this role for quite some time, and it brings me joy to see these youngsters, whether it's Rodrygo, Vinicius, or the new arrivals, seeking guidance and drawing upon our experiences."
Regarding his personal expectations for the current season, he clarified, "The club, Ancelotti, and I engaged in transparent discussions and reached agreements. My sole condition for staying was to be treated as a competitive player, not retained on the basis of past achievements." On his relationship with Toni Kroos, Modric shared, "Toni and I are not giving up, even though we are mindful that our careers are approaching their conclusion. It's a natural progression. Toni is four years my junior, but he has a different perspective on the duration of his career compared to mine."
Reflecting on his connection with Karim Benzema, Modric revealed, "I miss Benzema; we spent 11 years together. Every time Ramos, Marcelo, or Ronaldo departs, I experience the same sense of nostalgia. These are special relationships that bind us together for life."
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