Luka Modric turned 39 on September 9, an age that very few elite players like him can reach while still active.
But the Real Madrid captain is not considering retirement. Not even his friend Toni Kroos, who retired being five years younger than him, has convinced him.
Only the Croatian National Team Keeps Him Away from His Renewal
Modric admits that he is not the same player he was when he was 28. But he still sees himself as having the strength to play for Real Madrid and the Croatian national team.
And that is the point of friction that he has with the leadership position at Real Madrid. There they don't consider that his physical condition allows him to perform at Real Madrid and with his national team. He has to choose, but he isn't considering that possibility.
Ancelotti still counts on him, although no longer as an essential player, and he spends the minutes on the bench that he hadn't experienced in his career before.
Florentino has already informed him that there will be no renewal this summer, as in recent seasons, if he doesn't decide to leave his national team.
Cesc Fabregas Offers Him to Play Whatever He Wants and as Much as He Can
Real Madrid doesn't want to have to limit a player's performance so that he can play for his country.
And Modric, whose greatest dream would be to retire at Real Madrid, is not willing to leave the Croatian national team and wants to continue playing at club level.
If that doesn't happen at Real Madrid, Modric has his future set in Italy. Como coach Cesc Fabregas has invited him to share the Italian adventure in a paradise city.
In addition, Cesc has given him the guarantees to play as much as he can. Whatever his body allows, without limitations.
Modric is attracted by the Italian experience (he's already played in the Premier League) and also by living by Lake Como. In addition, he would be closer to home. Cesc has given him all kinds of guarantees.
Modric's Plan B
Modric's condition is not economic but human. Como is in fourteenth place, three points away from Europe and three away from relegation. In other words, it is as close to glory as it is to failure.
Modric would only agree to play for Como if he were to remain in Serie A. There he would meet his old acquaintance Nico Paz and his eternal rival Sergi Roberto. Also with Pepe Reina , another case of longevity (42 years).
The Real Madrid captain would like nothing more than to end his career at Real Madrid, but he already has a plan B if he is asked to leave this summer.