Modric’s busiest season defies his age | OneFootball

Luka Modric still isn’t sure whether he’ll be saying a final farewell or simply a “see you soon” to Real Madrid fans when La Liga wraps up in ten days’ time, at the Bernabéu against Real Sociedad.

At 39, the Croatian is having one of the busiest seasons of his career, showing he’s still got plenty left in the tank.

He started in Wednesday’s win over Mallorca, bringing his total to 55 appearances this season - a personal record. His previous highest was 53 games back in his first year at Madrid in 2012/13.

The former Ballon d'Or winner has mostly played the role of a high-quality squad player for Carlo Ancelotti, coming off the bench more often than starting. Out of those 55 games, he’s started 25 and been subbed on in 30.

His assist against Mallorca took his goal contribution tally to 12 this season - one every 223 minutes. He’s only bettered that once before, in 2021/22, when he got 15 in total (3 goals, 12 assists).

Modric turns 40 in September, and he’d love to still be wearing the Madrid shirt by then. But whether that happens is now up to the club. A decision on his contract is expected next week - and that will decide whether the match on the 24th at the Bernabéu is his send-off or not.

Modric's numbers at Real Madrid: