Real Madrid Performance Manager: Modric ‘A rare example of sporting longevity’

Real Madrid Performance Manager Antonio Pintus admits Luka Modric is a ‘rare example of sporting longevity’ as his performances are the ‘result of daily dedication.’

Real Madrid’s Performance Manager, Antonio Pintus, a former fitness coach at the club under Zizou Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti, praised Milan star Modric in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

Pintus: Modric has ‘exceptional level of professionalism’

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)

Questioned on the secrets behind Modric’s longevity, Pintus said: “I don’t think there is a secret, but rather a combination of factors. Luka has an exceptional level of professionalism. He takes care of training, nutrition, recovery and above all, he has a mindset that pushes him never to be satisfied. He’s a rare example of sporting longevity, the result of daily dedication.”

Pintus worked for many years alongside Modric in Madrid, first from 2016 to 2019 and then again from 2021 until this past June.

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)

“With us, he always did a complete job. Balanced between strength, endurance and prevention,” Pintus said.

“His explosiveness is natural, but also the outcome of a constant and targeted path over time.

“In Madrid, as in all big clubs, there are top-level tools and staff to manage nutrition, sleep and recovery. Luka was always very meticulous and used everything that could help him stay at the top with great intelligence.”

Pintus: Modric has ‘world-class’ mentality

epa11382233 Real Madrid fitness coach Antonio Pintus (C) and players during the training session of Madrid for the UEFA Champions League final in London, Britain, 31 May 2024. Real Madrid will face Borussia Dortmund on 01 June 2024 in the UEFA Champions League final. EPA-EFE/ANDY RAIN

Aside from Modric’s work on the pitch, Pintus believes that the midfielder’s mindset is another aspect that makes the difference in his performance.

“The difference between a great player and a world-class one often lies in mentality,” he said.

“Modric has a desire to work, a willingness to push himself and a hunger for victories that never runs out. These, even more than the physical side, are the driving forces behind his longevity.”

Modric has signed a one-year contract at San Siro with an option for a further campaign.

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