Carlo Ancelotti instructs Real Madrid over Luka Modric contract decision | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti has called for Luka Modric to be offered another Real Madrid contract extension, even though the midfielder maestro will celebrate his 40th birthday later this year.

Modric was instrumental in Madrid beating Girona on Sunday to get back on track in La Liga after recently going three games without a win.

Having joined from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, the Croatian legend has racked up almost 600 appearances, and is a winner of four La Liga titles and six Champions Leagues.

Modric has been signing new one-year deals each season since the summer of 2020, continuing to deliver the goods at an age when most players have already retired.

Speaking after Sunday's game, Ancelotti described Modric as a "gift to football" and made it clear he wants the player to sign on for yet another season in 2025/26, which would be his 14th with the club.

"He should continue as long as he wants. He does what he does very well. We have been lucky to have a legend with us. Football is a gift for his seriousness, quality and professionalism," Ancelotti said.

Modric had a star role in Sunday's win over Girona / Angel Martinez/GettyImages

The Italian coach is no stranger to players extending careers deep into their thirties and even past 40. His time at AC Milan coincided with the foundation of the famous 'Milan Lab', with Cafu and Alessandro Costacurta among those who thrived at a late age. Paolo Maldini is the most famous example, playing 25 seasons and eventually retiring a few weeks before turning 41.

"I had another player who was 40 years old, who was Maldini," Ancelotti continued, comparing the legendary defender to Modric for their respective dedication to their craft.

"The two can be compared in terms of what a footballer has to be. They are fantastic examples. It is no coincidence that they have reached 40. Genetics matter, but so does commitment, attitude."