Luka Modric brought the Bernabeu Stadium crowd to their feet with a spectacular goal in Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Girona in La Liga, eliciting effusive praise from Carlo Ancelotti.
Modric controlled a looping clearance from a corner with his chest before unleashing a long-range volley which arrowed into the top corner in the 41st minute.
The 39-year-old has lifted 28 trophies since he joined the Spanish giants in 2012 but will be out of contract at the end of the season.
Ancelotti said Modric should be allowed to leave the club on his own terms and compared the midfielder's longevity to one of his former players - AC Milan and Italy great Paolo Maldini.
"Modric is a gift to football. He should stay as long as he wants to. We have been lucky to have a legend with us," Ancelotti said.
"Football has been given a gift by his seriousness, quality and professionalism...
"I had another 40-year-old player, Maldini. The two can be compared in what a footballer has to be. They are fantastic examples. It's not by chance that they have reached 40. Genetics matter, but also commitment, attitude."
Real's win moved them up to 54 points after 25 games, level with leaders Barcelona.
REUTERS
Luka Modric unleashes a long-range volley to score Real Madrid''s opener against Girona. AP
