Luka Modric: Real Madrid’s 'Eternal Solution'

The man who plays with time.

This is a guest article by Chirag Sharatkumar. Subscribe to Sideline Stories.

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Luka Modric has still got it.

Given, at the time of publication, he is 39 years and 46 days old, it would be easy to believe otherwise, but as Modric has shown time and again, age is just a number.

It’s no secret that the Croatian is very, very, good. Everyone in world football knows and believes it, so it doesn’t really bear repeating.

Except on this occasion, after he surpassed Ferenc Puskas last weekend to become the oldest player to ever play for Real Madrid, it does.

So, shall we? Once more, this time with feeling?

It’s minute 63 in Vigo, the score is level, and Real Madrid are reeling. Celta have been the better team, and the game has been tense, uncertain, and deadlocked. Carlo Ancelotti looks to the bench and amidst a flurry of teenagers and 20-somethings sits Modric, waiting calmly, as he has become accustomed to doing.

He takes his place, armband wrapped around his sleeve, and the game, as it so often has, changes completely.