Modric reveals biggest motivation behind impressive performances at 40 | OneFootball

Milan veteran Luka Modric has revealed his biggest motivation, and the reasons why he feels able to continue performing at such a high level at the age of 40, as he and his teammates hit the top of the Serie A table after five matches of the 2025-26 season.

Modric was among the standout performers as Milan beat reigning Serie A champions Napoli 2-1 in San Siro on Sunday evening to move to the top of the league table, level on points with the Partenopei and Roma after five matches.

The former Ballon d’Or winner, who joined the Rossoneri on a free transfer this summer and turned 40 earlier this month, shows no signs of slowing down with a set of consecutive impressive performances at the beginning of his Milan career.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Speaking to Nigel Reo-Coker of CBS Sports Golazo before the Milan-Napoli match on Sunday, Modric said that his ‘love for the game’ is the main reason why he is still able to produce such impactful performances at his age.

“It’s just love for the game, I really love football,” Modric told CBS.

“Since I was born, when I see photos from my childhood, I’m there with the ball. I love football so much, this is the reason that keeps me motivated.

“When you win things, like you said, with these numbers, it’s a unique feeling, and you want to repeat it. This is what keeps me motivated, I’m still motivated to win things because it’s a great feeling, unique.”

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Is there a secret behind his training regime?

“There’s no secret, I can’t tell you one thing, there are so many things you need to put together but the most (important) is the love for the game and to continue (you must) sacrifice yourself and not to be satisfied with what you did.

“In football, you always need to prove yourself, no matter how big you are, what you did, you always have to continue proving yourself and this is what I’m thinking. Because of this, I’m still at this level.”