Modric breaks Real Madrid legend record that stood for almost 60 years
Midfielder surpasses Puskás and becomes the oldest player to defend the Spanish team, at over 39 years old; Croatian jokes: “I don’t really like people reminding me of my age”
Modric made history this Saturday for Real Madrid . When he entered the field during the match against Celta de Vigo (2-1 victory) , in La Liga, he became the oldest player to play a match wearing the Real shirt, in 122 years of history . The midfielder broke the record that belonged to one of the club’s greatest names: Ferenc Puskás.
Modric played his 547th game for Real Madrid, aged 39 years and 40 days. In doing so, he surpassed Puskás’ record of 39 years and 36 days, which had stood since 1966, the year in which the Hungarian star played his last game for the Spanish team.
Puskas arrived at Real Madrid at the age of 31, but he had time to collect titles: three European Cups, five Spanish Championship titles, a Club World Cup and a Copa del Rey
— Thank you very much. I don’t like people reminding me of my age, but… it’s really impressive. I’m very proud to have achieved this record and to continue, at this age, at the best club in the world. I’m very proud of all the achievements with Real Madrid — declared Modric, on Real Madrid’s official channel.
Modric has achieved an impressive 250 La Liga wins for Real Madrid in 369 games played in the competition’s history, over 13 seasons at the club.
The Croatian midfielder is also the player with the most titles in the club’s history : 27 in total, including six Champions League titles, five Club World Cup titles, five European Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles and five Spanish Super Cups.
Modric was especially important on Saturday with the assist for Vinicius Junior’s goal, which secured the 2-1 victory . A result that left Real Madrid with the same 24 points as leaders Barcelona, who face Sevilla this Sunday.
— It was a difficult game, we suffered as a team and managed to win an important match. The key is to run in space, and I told Vini: if you run, the ball will come to you, because you have that power. If you run well, it’s easy to find him — commented the captain.
— We got three points thanks to a fantastic pass from Modric. Something normal for him, given his enormous quality. Luka always adds to his game, whether he starts or comes off the bench. He is a fantastic player, a calm man with character. Real Madrid are lucky to have this player — said coach Carlo Ancelotti in a press conference.
