Today, AC Milan and the footballing world celebrate Luka Modric’s 41st birthday, but for him, it’s not an excuse to change.

When Milan signed Modric, there were questions. Not about his quality, but about how much he could play. How much could this 39-year-old, turning 40, give to the Rossoneri as they looked to turn the club around?

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It was answered within weeks, if not sooner. Modric was clearly still a class above and the renewal option within his deal was already being discussed. Through the season, it remained a talking point and it swung between he’s staying and he’s not regularly as the summer neared.

Here we are, though, still celebrating the Croatian’s place in the Diavolo’s changing room.

Modric remains eternal

Today marks his 41st birthday and whilst there are now genuine questions about his usage , he remains as hungry as ever. Corriere dello Sport (via MilanNews ) looks at his ‘insatiable hunger’ to continue playing and his ‘thirst for victory’. Characteristics that ultimately define the Ballon d’Or midfielder.

It’s a mentality thing and it’s why he remains key to both Milan and the Croatian national team. So, despite what the number says next to his age, he’s still just as hungry to win as he was as a child, as a teenager, as an adult.

Now, as a veteran, it seems the Rossoneri will be the last to enjoy Modric as their own player. Of course, he wants to end his career on a high .