Luka Modric has admitted that it was a 'strange feeling' to lose his regular starting role at Real Madrid, after three consecutive games starting on the bench.
The veteran midfielder - who turns 38 on Saturday - has vowed to 'work hard' to win back his place in Carlo Ancelotti's side, as a wealth of young players are creating fierce competition for opportunities in Madrid.
Modric made his first LaLiga start of the new campaign in last weekend's 2-1 win over Getafe, and despite being at the top of world football for some time, he admitted that the transition to being a bit-part player was something he had to adjust to.
Via ESPN, Modric told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti: 'Nobody is happy when they don't play. After the career I've had, it's an especially strange feeling for me.
'But the coach [Ancelotti] decided that, for his own reasons.
'My only condition for staying was to be treated as a competitive player, and not to be kept in the squad on the basis of past merits... I am completely calm. I'm aware that I have to work hard and sooner or later everything will fall into place.'
Real Madrid is stacked with talented young players, including Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham. The latter has fit right into the Spanish team since his high-profile move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
On the competition that Modric faces, the Croatian said: 'These young guys are top players, that's why they're at Real.
'We veterans must help them progress and gradually take over the starting roles at the level that this club is looking for.'
Modric is back with his national side this week, as Croatia host Latvia in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Friday, before travelling to Armenia for a second game on Monday.
Real Madrid have four wins in four so far in LaLiga, and return to action on Sunday September 17 at home to Real Sociedad, three days before a Champions League home game against Union Berlin.
PrimeGeorge07
0
read the whole article u will understand better.
I have and if only you can see his point through my post.
Tiadknopty
0
He should stop crying, I really don’t like it when a player grows older and opportunity is given to a younger player then they start talking just like what Alba did with Barca, I thought at a point in time someone played a reduced role for them when they came to the club.
read the whole article u will understand better.
wiodprsuy
0
I think he should go to Inter Miami & create a bonding with Messi... It would be great for him & all❤️❤️❤️
Football_Messi
0
I legendary plr.. one time ballon d or winner.. a hero.. tysm for Ur service but it's true that time waits for none
yopceklou
0
He has rejected Saudi offer
So why is he complaining for?
yopceklou
0
Then leave bro what is holding you back??
Akadish
1
The only constant thing in life is "change". age has caught up with you,Modric, and you should accept that. Despite the fact that you still desire to play at the highest level. This is known as the "Law of diminishing return" by the Economists.
luaeklpsz
0
You're done ...Accra hearts of Oak is waiting for u
PrimeGeorge07
4
He should stop crying, I really don’t like it when a player grows older and opportunity is given to a younger player then they start talking just like what Alba did with Barca, I thought at a point in time someone played a reduced role for them when they came to the club.
hayceimnoz
0
it's simple go to Saudi Arabia
He has rejected Saudi offer
rehaekorty
0
it's simple go to Saudi Arabia
yuudmnstyz
0
we want to see this someday
[image]
Please say, I want to see this, not we. Where's Varvelde in the starting 11?
yuudmnstyz
3
Modric, in as much as we are grateful for your contribution to the club and the high level of professionalism you've demonstrated over the years, but you have to understand that the change is logical, justifiable and beneficial to the club. I believed that it even came lil later than I expected, it should've started at the end of last season. Motivate the young players as a veteran like Marcelo did in his last season, instead of complaining that will put pressure on the coach and have a negative impact in the dressing room.
Butcelnotz
2
Modric is a legend for Real Madrid, but with 38years old he has to accept playing little and allow the young players to prove their age for now, he can be at the bench for at least 30 minutes.
Ghanamann
2
Legend the lads have more energy than you please accept your role
Goldenboy4Messi
0
At the Age of 38 he is still the best Midfielder
Joke
Goldenboy4Messi
0
He jxt has a competitive nature which is good for the squad
He’s selfish, the young boys are doing well n he’s still complaining 🤷♂️
Yueansuyz
4
don't go any where still you deserve to play at Madrid yes you peoples you are not big fan of modric even if he 91 yrs he will play because he use to play
Zombeikyz
0
go to retirement village Saudi Arabia
which country is village your father land is real village 🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂
Zutacdkmr
1
go to retirement village Saudi Arabia
kahekln
1
we want to see this someday
ttttttttttuser
1
Media and fake news
Jahacdpsty
1
cr 7 impact follow him b4 it's too late
fatbikorst
0
I am your fan and u are one of the best in your position. Hereafter no modric will come. I know that. u are unique. I hate one thing
popofatso
0
these are players who get disturbed being on the bench not a player who gets comfortable to be on the bench getting paid
sapaeltuy
0
At the Age of 38 he is still the best Midfielder
Correct
Bukaiotu
1
Modric is becoming too greedy here...At this time of ur age, you still desire to start in every game. What's the meaning of this?
It’s just a competitive nature he has doesn’t mean he doesn’t know he is old . Though it’s good for the youngsters cus it will giv them a challenge which is good for the squad
Bukaiotu
1
old man what are you complaining about? you must be a selfish man
He jxt has a competitive nature which is good for the squad
StefanusMamile
1
I feel your pain....my role model
Voadinopu
2
we appreciate all what you did. but cannot now get more minutes than our young stars. they are our futures
Nam_So
4
that show how determined and hungry he is at this age also .... Legend for a reason
ndabawubafo
3
Modric is too good to be on the bench cos the man still has a lot to offer.
Vapdikrsz
0
old man what are you complaining about? you must be a selfish man
wowdknorsu
4
Ed You can't play forever we love you but give those young boys chance to play
KHMMURU07
2
Modric will be our forever legend and will be our cult icon but he has to understand the situation and yes at this stage we can't even blame him for having a minimum role but this is life no matter how good you are,age catches up and Don Carlo is befittingly correct in opting for younger stars over him .
papabrains
0
Modric is becoming too greedy here...At this time of ur age, you still desire to start in every game. What's the meaning of this?
ishti
3
Every good thing comes to an end. Real Madrid is packed with midfield prodigies, they are young and Real Madrid can't afford to bench them all the time. Rotation is the only solution for now.
Popceklpyz
4
At the Age of 38 he is still the best Midfielder
touadpsu
0
he thinks he is still boyoyo
Los_Blancos09
1
I think Modric still thinks he's 22 yrs old 🤣
Evans0323
0
That’s why you should have go to Saudi those are now the kind of players that are going there
Gattusobabazara04
2
You should have know you’re time has passed,go to Saudi you refuse 🤣🤣
Haoaiklnru
0
is true
Haoaiklnru
0
best