Luka Modric’s physical trainer makes interesting revelation about Real Madrid veteran’s ‘metabolic age’
Real Madrid legend Luka Modric's trainer Clark Vucetic believes that the player has a metabolic age of less than 30. The Croatian midfielder turned 39 this September and has shown no signs of slowing down.
Modric arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur. He had already established himself with the north London club and Los Blancos reportedly paid £30m for his services. Over the years, that fee has looked like a bargain.
The Croatian took his game to a whole new level with the LaLiga champions. He would soon forge a golden partnership with Toni Kroos in the heart of Real Madrid's midfield, helping the club attain tremendous success.
However, the German midfielder called time on his illustrious career this summer, bowing out by winning the Champions League. That has led to speculation regarding the future of Luka Modric, who is arguably in the final phase of his career.
Speaking to Relevo, Vucetic insisted that the Croatian initially wanted to play until he was 36.
"Modrić chronological age is 39 but his metabolic age is less than 30. He wanted to play until he was 36. He had set that goal [when we first met in 2012]," said Vucetic.
Luka Modric is no longer a guaranteed starter for Real Madrid right now. However, the Croatian has still appeared 14 times across competitions this season, including six starts, and has set up three goals.
When does Luka Modric's contract with Real Madrid expire?
Luka Modric's contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of this season. The veteran midfielder has appeared 548 times for Los Blancos till date, scoring 39 goals and setting up 89 more.
The Croatian won the 2018 Ballon d'Or after guiding his nation to the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Modric has the most caps for his nation so far, appearing 182 times and counting.
He was reportedly wanted in Inter Miami this year but signed a new one-year contract with the LaLiga giants in July. Real Madrid have a policy of offering short-term deals to players above the age of 30.
Los Blancos could hand the Croatian another one-year deal come May, although reports suggest that Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz has been identified as his successor. That could open the door for Modric to cross the Atlantic and join hand with Lionel Messi at the Chase Stadium.