The Croatia international, who logged only 37% of the minutes available, accepts his new role with grace, acknowledging the truth in the line he’s been handed: no one is happy when they don’t get on the field.
He featured 10 minutes in the league season opener against Athletic Bilbao in San Mamés. He later returned to action in the closing moments of the Mediterranean Games clash with Almería. Against Celta in Balaídos, he came on for the final half hour. At the start of the 2023/24 season, Modric found himself on the Real Madrid bench, starting only on matchday four. In the match against Getafe at the revamped Bernabéu, Modric appeared in the club’s first photo of the campaign.
Modric has long been showered with praise, both for what he does on the pitch and for the way he conducts himself off it. Croatian teammate Andrej Kramarić captured the sentiment after their World Cup semifinal exit to Argentina in Qatar: “We all know how many gracious words have been written about Luka and what he means, not only for Croatia but for the world.”
Time inevitably leaves marks, and these are not easy days for Modric in the sport. Even at 38 years old, a veteran of such stature doesn’t naturally accept a supporting role. Yet he handles it with the dignity that has always defined him. He has played only 133 minutes of La Liga this season, 36.94% of the total, as new talents emerged around him. Jude Bellingham has become a central figure in Chamartín, with Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, and Aurélien Tchouaméni growing alongside him, pushing the Croatian international into the background. Still, Modric accepts Ancelotti’s decision with the humility of a legend.
“I won’t sink if I don’t play, on the contrary”
Recently, remarks from the former Tottenham man came to light during a Croatian national team gathering. In an interview with Sportske Novosti, questions about his situation at Madrid and his run of three consecutive substitutions were addressed. While some headlines framed it as a crisis, his answer was sharp and resolute. “Three games on the bench? No one is happy if you don’t play. I’ve never sat out three games in a row. It felt strange, but the coach makes the call. I’ll persevere. I won’t crumble if I don’t feature, but I’ll stay resilient.”
He added: “The club, Ancelotti, and I had candid conversations. My only condition for staying was to be treated as a competitive player, not kept around because of past merits. I am competitive, I know that.” “I can still contribute to Real Madrid. Two months ago I played 120 minutes twice for Croatia. Physically I can perform at previous levels. That’s why I chose to stay. When the club and Ancelotti indicated nothing would change my status, I signed.” He also noted a direct conversation with Ancelotti, who wished to speak with him, and affirmed a solid relationship. Modric remains steady, knowing there is fierce competition in midfield and that the young talents around him are of the highest caliber.
When Modric speaks, it is wise to listen. Accepting reality without fanfare is a hallmark of champions, and he wears that badge proudly. Meanwhile, he could be in the XI for Croatia against Latvia on Wednesday as the teams prepare for Euro 2024 in Germany.
Source: Goal