Olaleye Idowu
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti hailed Luka Modric after his impressive display in their Copa del Rey Round of 32 win over Deportivo Minero on Monday.
Los Blancos thrashed the fourth-tier club 5-0 at the Cartagonova Stadium.
Modric started the game and was brilliant throughout the encounter.
The veteran midfielder scored a goal and completed 75 out of 79 passes against the hosts.
Speaking after the game, Ancelotti described the Croatian international as a gift to football.
“He is a football gift. Even more so for those who can enjoy it up close — the fans, the teammates, the coach… all of Real Madrid,” Ancelotti said (via Madrid Xtra).
“For me, it’s a great gift, especially for the way he prepares for these types of matches.
“He prepares them as if they were a final. He is a very important example for young people.”
Modric has made 561 appearances for Real Madrid since joining the club from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.
The 39-year-old has scored 40 goals and provided 90 assists for Madrid so far
