“I’m going to take some blood from Luka Modric to see if I can make it” - Real Madrid star responds when asked about playing for 10 more years
Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has paid tribute to teammate Luka Modric's longevity. The Croatian midfielder recently turned 39 and has shown no signs of slowing down.
Modric started his nation's 1-1 draw against Portugal in the UEFA National League on Monday, November 18. He has also appeared in all 17 games for Los Blancos this season, although only seven of those have been starts.
Federico Valverde, meanwhile, is a first team regular for the LaLiga champions at the moment. The Uruguayan has started all 17 games for Real Madrid this season, scoring three goals and setting up two more.
Speaking recently, as cited by Madrid Xtra, Valverde remained unsure whether he can play for 10 more years.
"Ten years from now? I'm going to take some blood from Luka Modric to see if I can make it (laughs). I don't know if I will even make it to 32 while this one will be 40 soon!" said Valverde.
Valverde joined Los Blancos in 2016 and broke into the starting XI in the 18/19 season. He has since been one of the LaLiga champions' key players, amassing 24 goals and 25 assists from 275 games.
The 26-year-old was handed Toni Kroo's No. 8 shirt at Real Madrid this summer following the legendary German's retirement. While Valverde is yet to live up to the task, he is likely to grow into the role soon.
When will Luka Modric's contract with Real Madrid expire?
Luka Modric's contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of this season and he hasn't signed a new deal yet. There has been interest in his services from Saudi Arabia, while Inter Miami reportedly had their eyes on the player this summer.
The Croatian opted to sign a new deal with the LaLiga champions over the summer, but is no longer a first team regular. As such, Modric could assess his options at the end of this season.
Los Blancos are well stocked in the middle of the park, while they also remain linked with Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz. If Real Madrid appoint Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement in 2025, it could pave the path for the German midfielder's arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.
That could potentially end Luka Modric's stay at the club. The veteran midfielder joined Los Blancos from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012. He has registered 39 goals and 89 assists from 551 games for the LaLiga champions so far.