Forty and still going strong, Luka Modric’s secrets revealed by those who worked closely with him at Real Madrid.
Luka knows no limits: forty and still going strong. Against Bologna in the last Serie A matchday, he scored his first goal for Milan, but overall, the Croatian once again showed that his physical and mental condition remains at the highest level despite his advancing age.
How does he maintain these standards? Antonio Pintus, current “performance manager” at Real Madrid, explained. Pintus worked with Modric at Valdebebas in two periods: from 2016 to 2019 as Zinedine Zidane’s fitness coach, and then from 2021 to June this year as Carlo Ancelotti’s fitness coach.
Few know the Croatian like Pintus, who revealed some details in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I don’t think there is a real secret, more a combination of factors. Luka has extraordinary professionalism: he focuses on training, nutrition, recovery, and above all has a mindset that pushes him never to settle. He is a rare example of sporting longevity, the result of daily dedication."
More on Luka Modric's nutrition, sleep and recovery...
“At Madrid, like at all top clubs, there are tools and staff of the highest level to manage nutrition, sleep, and recovery. Luka was always very meticulous and used intelligently everything that could help him stay at the top," as relayed via Calciomercato.com.
Pintus added:
"The difference between a great player and a superstar often lies in mentality. Luka has a drive to work, a tolerance for effort, and a hunger for victories that never fades. These, more than physical aspects, are the engine of his longevity."
Are you surprised by Luka Modric's impact in Italy?
“I am not surprised because anyone who knows Luka knows how serious he is and how hard he works to be ready for every challenge. He has shown everywhere that he can adapt and be decisive. So in Italy, he could only make a significant impact.”
