“It’s always nice to break records,” Modric said after the 2-1 away win over Valencia.
At the Mestalla stadium, he played his 561st game, and former midfielders Jose Martínez Sanhcez, known as “Pirri” and Michel, played as many games.
“I am proud to have reached that number of games played and equaled legends like Pirri and Michel. I need to continue like this,” added the Croatian midfielder, who has been playing for “Kraljevski Klub” since 2012.
At the top is striker Raul Gonzalez, who made 741 appearances in the white jersey during his career. Modrić is the second foreigner in the number of appearances behind French striker Karim Benzema who played 648 games for the Spanish champions.
Valencia took the lead in the last match of the Spanish championship on Friday night in the 27th minute with a goal by Hugo Dura, Modrić equalized in the 85th minute, and Jude Bellingham gave Real the victory in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
“Once again, we showed the team’s great character. We didn’t stop believing in victory,” said Modrić.
He said that Real Madrid did not play well in the first half but improved in the second.
“These are the victories that can take you to the championship,” noted the Real Madrid captain.
Modrić ran into the penalty area near the goal and sent the ball into the net with his left foot from a distance of about six meters.
“We pressed well. Brahim took the ball and passed it to Bellingham who passed it to me very well. It was easier to score a goal than to pass the ball like that,” he said.
It was Modric’s 40th goal in total for Real Madrid. At the age of 39 years and 116 days, he became the oldest player to score a goal for Real as he overtook Ferenc Puskas who had once done it at the age of 39 years and 15 days.
“This club shows you that you never give up. We seem to react and show faith in winning when things get complicated for us on the pitch,” he said of the turnaround at Valencia, the penultimate team in the championship.
Leaders Real Madrid have 43 points and a game more than city rivals Atletico with 41 points. Barcelona is third with 38 points, and Athletic Bilbao is fourth with 36.
“A month ago we were in trouble, and now we are leading the table. Although it is still too early to celebrate, and although we have a game in hand, it is always nice to go to bed as the leader of the championship,” said Modrić.
“We know we can be better because there is a lot of quality in the team, but above all unity,” he concluded, reports Hina.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
