Luka Modric's consistency over the last decade is as much to do with his discipline as his raw talent on the pitch.
The Real Madrid midfielder is now 37 and showing no signs of slowing down. He wowed supporters in Tuesday's 3-0 victory over Celtic in the Champions League, scoring a stunning trivela goal and receiving a standing ovation from everyone inside Celtic Park for his efforts.
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He played 45 games last season as Real stormed to La Liga and Champions League glory in the same campaign for the fourth time in their history.
So, what's keeping the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner in fine shape? Nothing too drastic according to the man himself.
Modric told Diario AS: "They always ask me for my secret, but I don’t know what to say to you. It is natural. I live by and for football 24 hours of the day. I think that is very important.
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"I love what I do and I am enjoying myself like never before in my profession because I know that I am at a difficult age for a footballer.
"Maybe that’s why I am enjoying it like never before, because you never know how long you might last at this level and in this club, at which the demands are the maximum. I try to enjoy the training sessions and the games. All of which helps to be good at this age."
Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti has refreshed his side's midfield options over the last year.
Eduardo Camavinga was snapped up in 2021 and this summer and Aurelien Tchouameni arrived from Monaco in a £100 million deal.
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Federico Valverde's influence continues to grow too, while Casemiro departed for Manchester United last month.
Modric went on to discuss his routine, including gym sessions and his diet.
The Croatia international continued: "Today for example I have arrived an hour and a quarter ahead of training and almost every day I have breakfast here.
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"I do my stuff with the physios in the gym so that I go out for training already warmed up.
"Then I do draining, some days we train harder and others not so much. Then, depending on how I feel, I stay to do things with the physios, whatever is needed.
"Then I go home to spend time with my family and the kids.
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"I pick them up from school almost every day. It’s a bit boring, right?"
Real return to action against Mallorca on Sunday.
Topics: Luka Modric, Real Madrid, La Liga
Daniel Marland