⭐ Como ganhar US$100 ao se registrar como novo usuário na flames bet? 🎁 É verdade que a esport bet dá US$100 grátis no seu primeiro cadastro? 💰 Por que a spicy bet oferece US$100 para novos usuários? ❤ O que você pode fazer com os US$100 de bônus da pag bet aposta ao se registrar? ️ Vale a pena criar uma conta na h2bet aposta só para ganhar US$100? 🕹 Como aproveitar ao máximo os US$100 de boas-vindas da brdice? 💸 A allwin realmente deposita US$100 grátis na sua conta de novato? ️ Quais jogos você pode explorar com os US$100 da fuwin? ⏱ Por que tantos jogadores escolhem a aajogo pelo bônus de US$100? ️ O cadastro na winbrl garante mesmo US$100 instantâneos? 🎉 É fácil sacar os ganhos feitos com o bônus de US$100 da queens? 🎰 Como começar a apostar sem risco usando os US$100 da brlwin? 🎲 O que torna o bônus de US$100 da pgwin tão especial? ✈ É possível transformar os US$100 de boas-vindas da today em grandes prêmios? ️ Como a brwin muda sua experiência de jogo logo no primeiro dia com US$100? ⚽ Você já imaginou ganhar US$100 só por se registrar na bet way? ⭐ Como ganhar 200$ ao entrar no dobrowin pela primeira vez? 🎁 É verdade que o betleao dá 200$ só por se registrar? 💰 Quais passos seguir para receber 200$ no moverbet? ❤ O winzada 777 realmente oferece 200$ de bônus de boas-vindas? ️ Vale a pena criar conta no supremo só para ganhar 200$? 🕹 Como funciona o bônus de 200$ no casadeapostas? 💸 É fácil se registrar no dobrowin e receber 200$? ️ O que fazer para ativar o bônus de 200$ no betleao? ⏱ O moverbet exige depósito para liberar 200$? ️ Dá para sacar os 200$ do wazamba sem apostar? 🎉 Como transformar o bônus de 200$ do fezbet em dinheiro real? 🎰 O betsson dá 200$ para qualquer novo usuário? 🎲 Existe limite de tempo para resgatar os 200$ no lvbet? ✈ Como confirmar se recebi os 200$ no dobrowin? ️ Preciso de código promocional para ganhar 200$ no betsul? ⚽ O pixbet dá 200$ para quem entra pelo aplicativo? ⭐ Posso receber o bônus de 200$ do bwin mais de uma vez? 🎁 Como criar conta no betobet e resgatar 200$ na hora? 💰 É seguro receber o bônus de 200$ do dobrowin? ❤ O que preciso preparar antes de me registrar no bet7 para ganhar 200$? ️ O betcris oferece 200$ para clientes antigos também? 🕹 Como aproveitar ao máximo o bônus de 200$ do blaze? 💸 Quais jogos aceitam o bônus de 200$ no 888? ️ Posso usar os 200$ do stake em apostas esportivas? ⏱ O bônus de 200$ do stake tem rollover? ️ Qual é a exigência de aposta para sacar os 200$ do esportesdasorte? 🎉 É possível transferir o bônus de 200$ do betmotion para outra conta? 🎰 Quanto tempo leva para receber os 200$ do rivalry? 🎲 O novibet envia os 200$ imediatamente após o cadastro? ✈ Como saber se sou elegível para o bônus de 200$ no pinnacle? ️ O cbet exige verificação de identidade para liberar 200$? ⚽ Dá para ganhar 200$ no dobrowin sem enviar documentos? ⭐ O bônus de 200$ do betleao expira? 🎁 O que acontece se eu não usar os 200$ do moverbet? 💰 Posso acumular o bônus de 200$ com outras promoções do gogowin? ❤ O jogos win dá 200$ de graça ou tem condições escondidas? ️ É possível ganhar mais de 200$ usando o bônus do mesk bet? 🕹 O infinity bet dá 200$ para usuários de qualquer país? 💸 Como funciona o resgate do bônus de 200$ no betfury pelo celular? ️ Posso ganhar 200$ no doce usando apenas o e-mail? ⏱ É necessário confirmar o e-mail para receber 200$ no bet7k? ️ Dá para retirar os 200$ do jogowin sem jogar? 🎉 Qual é o truque para conseguir 200$ rápido no lobo888? 🎰 O iribet paga mesmo os 200$ prometidos no cadastro? 🎲 O bônus de 200$ do leao é válido para slots? ⏱ O dobrowin oferece 200$ para quem indica amigos? ️ Dá para usar os 200$ do allwin em cassinos ao vivo? 🎉 Posso apostar no aajogo usando só o bônus de 200$? 🎰 Como evitar perder o bônus de 200$ no pgwin? 🎲 O greenbets exige aposta mínima para usar os 200$? ✈ É possível sacar os 200$ do brapub sem cumprir rollover? ️ O moverbet dá 200$ para novos cadastros sem depósito? ⚽ Qual é o prazo para sacar os 200$ do onebra? ⭐ O flames libera 200$ em dólar ou na moeda local? 🎁 O bônus de 200$ do brdice funciona para todos os jogos? 💰 Como ativar o bônus de 200$ no brwin pelo aplicativo? ❤ O poplottery envia os 200$ automaticamente após o login? ️ Posso dividir o bônus de 200$ do queens em várias apostas? 🕹 O bônus de 200$ no winbrl é só para novos usuários? 💸 O omgbet oferece 200$ sem necessidade de código? ️ Posso ganhar 200$ no winbra sem completar o cadastro? ⏱ O que acontece se eu tentar sacar os 200$ do goinbet antes do rollover? ️ É possível apostar em esportes virtuais com o bônus de 200$ do codbet? 🎉 O betleao permite combinar o bônus de 200$ com free spins? 🎰 Quantos dias tenho para usar os 200$ do fuwin? ⭐ O bônus de 200$ do allwin568 pode ser recusado? 🎁 O wingdus oferece suporte para quem não recebeu os 200$? 💰 Como reclamar se o juntosbet não liberar os 200$? ❤ É possível usar o bônus de 200$ do today no cassino ao vivo? ️ O bônus de 200$ do talon777 é válido para apostas de alto valor? 🕹 O brlwin dá 200$ para quem se registra pelo desktop? 💸 Existe algum horário para receber os 200$ no fazobetai? ️ O pinup bet oferece 200$ para usuários de Android e iOS? ⏱ Como sacar os 200$ do bet sport no mesmo dia? ️ É possível multiplicar os 200$ do bet esporte rapidamente? 🎉 O bônus de 200$ do mrbet vem com apostas grátis? 🎰 O premier bet dá 200$ para usuários que já tiveram conta? 🎲 Como aproveitar promoções junto com os 200$ do apostebet? ✈ O spicy bet paga os 200$ via PIX ou transferência? ️ Preciso inserir CPF para receber 200$ do prosport bet? ⚽ Dá para usar os 200$ do bet nacional sem confirmar identidade? ⭐ O bônus de 200$ do luck pode ser perdido? 🎁 O que fazer se o bônus de 200$ do jogodeouro não aparecer? 💰 O heads bet oferece 200$ para jogadores VIP? ❤ Posso solicitar os 200$ do marjack bet mais tarde? ️ É possível usar parte dos 200$ do apostaganha e guardar o resto? 🕹 O bônus de 200$ do gbg bet é renovável? 💸 O esoccer bet envia os 200$ para contas PayPal? ️ Dá para receber 200$ no esport bet sem baixar o app? ⏱ O bônus de 200$ do realbet exige número de telefone? ️ Posso ganhar 200$ no aviator aposta usando um VPN? 🎉 O bet vitoria permite sacar os 200$ sem apostar? 🎰 O bônus de 200$ do imperador bet pode ser transferido? 🎲 Posso usar os 200$ do realsbet em torneios? ✈ É possível perder o bônus de 200$ do bet favorita por inatividade? ️ O esportenet envia 200$ para contas bancárias de qualquer banco? ⚽ Como evitar erros ao resgatar 200$ no flames bet? ⭐ O pague bet aceita cadastro rápido para liberar 200$? 🎁 Dá para usar os 200$ do betsury sem restrições? 💰 O bônus de 200$ do doce888 é válido para apostas ao vivo? ❤ Posso combinar o bônus de 200$ com cashback no obabet? ️ Como retirar os 200$ do winzada via PIX? 🕹 O globalbet libera 200$ imediatamente após a confirmação? 💸 O bônus de 200$ do bet77 vale para roleta online? ️ O lottoland permite usar os 200$ em qualquer modalidade? ⏱ Preciso enviar documentos para sacar os 200$ do 7gamesbet? ️ É possível usar o bônus de 200$ do dicasbet para jogar blackjack? 🎉 O esportivabet dá 200$ para jogadores que não fazem depósito? 🎰 O que fazer para receber os 200$ no tvbet sem atrasos? 🎲 O bônus de 200$ do sportbet tem limite de ganho? ✈ É possível jogar pôquer com o bônus de 200$ do misterjackbet? ️ O esportebet exige cadastro completo para liberar 200$? ⚽ Dá para usar os 200$ do nacionalbet em apostas múltiplas? ⭐ O bônus de 200$ do simplesbet é pago em dinheiro ou créditos? 🎁 O betestrela oferece 200$ para novos usuários estrangeiros? 💰 É possível solicitar os 200$ do batbet por chat online? ❤ O bônus de 200$ do Pk55 é cumulativo com outras ofertas? ️ Dá para cancelar o bônus de 200$ no Bet61? 🕹 O Upsports Bet dá 200$ para quem faz login diário? 💸 Posso apostar baixo usando o bônus de 200$ no roleta online? ️ O bônus de 200$ do roleta é válido para baccarat? ⏱ O poker online envia 200$ via criptomoeda? ️ Como saber se o bônus de 200$ do poker está ativo? 🎉 O bônus de 200$ do blackjack online pode ser usado parcialmente? 🎰 O bingo realmente paga os 200$ prometidos sem truques? 🎲 How Can You Get $200 Instantly by Logging Into inclaves? ⏱ Have You Tried Registering at mega bonanza to Claim Your $200? ️ Why Does juwa 777 Give $200 to New Players? 🎉 Is It Really Easy to Get $200 from ding ding ding? 🎰 What Steps Do You Need to Take to Claim $200 at crown coins? 🎲 Does chumba Actually Give $200 on First Login? ✈ Can You Really Get $200 Just for Signing Up at high 5? ️ How Do You Claim the $200 Bonus from zula Fast? ⚽ Can You Withdraw the $200 Bonus from luckyland? ⭐ Is It Worth Registering at sportzino Just to Get $200? 🎁 What Are the Requirements to Receive $200 from fortune coins? 💰 Why Are So Many People Logging Into modo for $200? ❤ Does wow vegas Require a Deposit to Give the $200 Bonus? ️ How Can You Claim $200 from inclave Without Spending Money? 🕹 Do You Need ID Verification to Get $200 from brango? 💸 Is It Safe to Claim a Free $200 Bonus from golden hearts? ️ Does funzpoints Really Reward Every New Account with $200? ⏱ How Can You Maximize the $200 Bonus at cafe? ️ Who Is Eligible for the $200 Bonus at fortune? 🎉 Is There a Time Limit to Claim the $200 from gamblemax? 🎰 Is It Difficult to Register at baba and Receive $200? ✈ What Games Can You Play with the $200 Bonus from fanduel? ️ Do You Need a Promo Code to Get $200 from wind creek? ⚽ How Long Does It Take to Get $200 After Registering at crown coin? ⭐ Does hello millions Require Wagering Before Withdrawing the $200? 🎁 How Do You Avoid Errors When Logging Into limitless for $200? 💰 Is the $200 First Login Bonus at posh 100% Legit? ❤ What Should You Prepare Before Signing Up at mcluck for $200? ️ Can You Transfer the $200 Bonus from pulsz to Another Person? 🕹 Does betty wins Offer Other Promotions Besides the $200 Bonus? 💸 How Long Is the $200 Bonus from realprize Valid? ️ How Can You Check If You Qualify for the $200 Bonus at rolling riches? ⏱ Does royale Refund the $200 If You Don’t Use It? ️ Are There Any Hidden Fees When Claiming $200 from legendz? 🎉 What Is the Minimum Bet Requirement for the $200 at funrize? 🎰 Can You Claim the $200 Bonus from mr o More Than Once? 🎲 Does pacific spins Allow You to Claim $200 via Mobile? ✈ Is the $200 Bonus the Same on bvx Desktop and Mobile? ️ Do You Have to Download the chanced App to Get $200? ⚽ Can You Withdraw the Entire $200 from real prize? ⭐ Does dara Give the $200 Bonus to Existing Players? 🎁 How Can You Claim $200 from high five in Just One Day? 💰 Can You Use the $200 Bonus from extreme on All Games? ❤ Does lucky creek Require Email Verification for the $200 Bonus? ️ How Much Time Does It Take to Receive $200 from drake? 🕹 Can You Combine the $200 Bonus with Other lucky land Promotions? 💸 Are There Country Restrictions for Claiming $200 at lincoln? ️ Do You Need a Referral Code to Get the $200 from betmgm? ⏱ Can You Claim the $200 Bonus and Other Offers at red stag Together? ️ Does the $200 Bonus from ocean Apply to Sports Betting? 🎉 Can You Get $200 from planet 7 by Registering Through the App? 🎰 How Can You Withdraw the $200 Bonus from betus Quickly? 🎲 How Many Times Do You Need to Wager the $200 at yabby? ⏱ Will You Lose the $200 Bonus from raging bull If You Break the Rules? ️ Can You Use the $200 Bonus from crown on Slot Games? 🎉 Does casino extreme Require an ID Photo to Release the $200 Bonus? 🎰 Do You Need to Invite Friends to Get $200 from bovada? 🎲 Does the $200 Bonus from yay Expire If You Don’t Use It? ✈ What Is the Easiest Way to Claim the $200 Bonus from wow? ️ Is the $200 Bonus at ignition Available Worldwide? ⚽ How Can You Turn the $200 Bonus from spree into Real Cash?

Home / Automobiles / Time to hang them up, Luka: Real Madrid should ignore Modric's new contract pleas as age finally catches up with legendary veteran

Time to hang them up, Luka: Real Madrid should ignore Modric's new contract pleas as age finally catches up with legendary veteran

The Croatian magician is running out of legs, and needs to leave Santiago Bernabeu with some dignity remaining

We can all remember the pass. Luka Modric receives the ball on the half-turn, in a little pocket of space between Chelsea's midfield and defensive lines. He doesn't really look up before playing it, into Rodrygo's path at the far post. And then there's the execution: outside of the foot, into stride, Rodrygo tucks it away. Real Madrid salvage their Champions League quarter-final, make it all the final and lift the trophy. That gorgeous assist was one of many turning points along the way.

Modric was 35 when he played that teasing ball, and back then, it was just further evidence that he really was ageless. Madrid's Toni Kroos-Modric-Casemiro midfield was coming to its end, but the Croatian clearly still had a few years left in him.

Modric did remain a key cog in Los Blancos' midfield for two further seasons, playing the big games while keeping his ageing body ticking over in the lesser ones. But now, things have changed. Modric looks tired, and he can't be counted on in the same way. And in a season during which Madrid's midfield has collapsed, so too has the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner.

Modric is by no means a liability, but the eye test confirms what the stats suggest: he is old, and he would do well to leave Madrid while he still has enough football in him to depart with dignity.

Getty ImagesLegend of the game

This is by no means an indictment on Modric, nor necessarily a criticism of his game. He is a truly brilliant footballer, and somehow underappreciated despite the fact that he kept the Madrid midfield ticking for the best part of a decade. He broke the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo stranglehold on the Ballon d'Or – and deservedly so. His consistent excellence at major tournaments for Croatia have helped carry otherwise average sides to within touching distance of silverware.

He never really tired, nor did he complain. Casemiro was the enforcer of that Madrid midfield trio, the baby-faced traction engine who would crush everything that moved. Kroos was the vocal sceptic, dictating the tempo before giving snappy interviews after. Modric did all of the classy bits in between; he let his game do the talking, all the time setting an example. It is what has allowed him to age so gracefully.

When it became clear in the 2022-23 campaign that he was no longer a starter, Modric accepted a limited role with grace. He played 300 minutes fewer the following year, and was effectively just chucked into the side for the big games. He delivered every time, an hour of pure quality against Atletico Madrid or Barcelona one week, followed by 30 minutes of composure against Villarreal or Getafe the next.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTaking a turn

Year by year, those minutes have decreased, Modric's cameos less frequent. He started just 16 games in La Liga this season, and half of Madrid's Champions League contests. His omission from the XI in two must-win games against Manchester City pretty much summed up his place in the pecking order.

It's been a messy campaign in Madrid, one that you'd imagine everyone is pretty happy to see come to a close. They have been battered by Barcelona in the race for La Liga, ousted by Arsenal in the Champions League, and have just the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA's Intercontinental Cup to show for the signing of Kylian Mbappe. They missed the hell out of Kroos, could never find the right balance in a system where Vinicius Jr and Mbappe never fully pulled their weight, and Jude Bellingham looked first hurt, then irritated and later entirely unbothered by the concept of playing football.

Modric is not to blame for any of this. In fact, this is a Madrid side that even he cannot make better. Los Blancos lack legs and athleticism – two things Modric, at 39, does not possess. It is no wonder that Ancelotti has used him on fewer occasions. But more broadly, it is perhaps indicative of where this team is going. Madrid have three mavericks in their side, and need willing runners around them. It's why Fede Valverde is so important to their future prospects.

GettyLearn from Kroos

Everything, then, would point to Modric moving on as his contract enters its final weeks. There is, though, one problem: Modric doesn't want to go. He is just over three months from his 40th birthday, and all of the talk from the Spanish back pages has suggested that he is eager to work with new Madrid manager Xabi Alonso for at least one more season.

In the abstract, that sounds quite nice, one for the football romantics: Two greats reuniting, for one last ride. But then there's the practical element to consider and Modric would do well to look towards another legendary midfielder who knew when to hang them up.

Kroos absolutely mastered the art of quitting when he was ahead, hanging up his boots at the end of the 2023-24 campaign – arguably his best in a Madrid shirt. Some were confused by the German's decision. After all, he had the chance to enjoy a few more years at the top. But Kroos knew that his best days were likely gone, and that his performance levels would only drop; there was nowhere to go but down. And with no inherent desire to play for another club, he walked away (and left Los Blancos in an immense bind in doing so – but that's not problem).

Modric might be wise to do the same. Is he good enough to play for another season in a diminished role? Maybe. But that could lead to an exit that lacks dignity. It would be better to leave while he has a little bit more in the tank.

Getty Images SportRebuild required

Madrid, too, could probably do without a 40-year-old Modric taking up a spot in their squad. It feels strange to say given they are a team that is packed full of Galacticos, but Madrid need to rebuild. They have already gotten to work on that task, bringing in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, while they have also been linked with a number of left-backs and are rumoured to be in the market for another central midfielder. Florentino Perez's war chest is well and truly open.

This is a ruthless club with ruthless fans and a ruthless transfer strategy; there isn't room for sentiment. It's tough to see what, exactly, Modric would bring to the party. Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Valverde are all established options in midfield while Dani Ceballos might stay after a season of improvement. And even if another midfielder doesn't arrive from elsewhere, there is a chance Alexander-Arnold is given the freedom to drift into central areas too.

Modric would likely have to accept garbage time minutes, and occasionally a run out in the Copa del Rey; is that the exit that he really wants? And it's not like there is a clear path to silverware here, either. Barcelona will be favourites to win La Liga, and while Madrid are always in the mix for the Champions League, it feels like the rest of Europe's giants have closed the gap on the 15-time winners. If the goal is to leave with a medal around his neck, Modric might just be picking the hardest season to do so, all while being limited to just a handful of minutes here and there.

Tagged:

Social Icons

News

Game
Register
Service
Bonus