Milan, Italy – The enduring brilliance of Luka Modric continues to captivate the football world, prompting admiration even from legendary opponents. Following AC Milan’s 1-0 victory over Inter in the Serie A derby on Sunday, Juventus icon Alessandro Del Piero playfully suggested that the Croatian midfielder’s remarkable fitness could allow him to play until the age of 50, attributing it to the quality of Italian cuisine.
Del Piero, working as a pundit for CBS Sports, shared the lighthearted exchange with Modric after the match. “It was amazing again watching you. Congratulations again,” Del Piero said, according to reports. “With Italian restaurants and food, you can play until 50. Our quality of food is amazing, don’t know if you agree.” The comment sparked a conversation about Modric’s longevity and the role lifestyle factors play in maintaining peak performance at the highest level.
A Testament to Longevity in a Demanding Sport
At 38 years old (as of March 10, 2026), Modric continues to defy expectations, showcasing a level of play that belies his age. His move to AC Milan has been widely praised, with the veteran midfielder seamlessly integrating into the team and demonstrating the same vision and tactical intelligence that made him a star for Real Madrid and the Croatian national team. The Serie A has quickly benefitted from his presence, and his impact extends beyond mere statistics.
Del Piero’s remark, although delivered with a smile, highlights a growing appreciation for the holistic approach to athletic performance. It’s no longer enough to simply possess talent; maintaining a rigorous training regimen, prioritizing recovery, and, crucially, adopting a healthy diet are all essential components of a long and successful career. The emphasis on nutrition is particularly relevant, and the connection to the famed Italian diet is a clever observation.
The Mediterranean Diet: A Potential Key to Modric’s Success
Italy is renowned for its adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a dietary pattern characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, along with moderate consumption of fish and poultry. This diet is widely recognized for its health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. For athletes, the Mediterranean diet provides sustained energy, supports muscle recovery, and reduces inflammation – all crucial factors for optimal performance.
While Modric’s exceptional talent and dedication to training are undoubtedly primary drivers of his success, the quality of his diet could be a significant contributing factor to his remarkable longevity. The idea that a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients could extend a player’s career is gaining traction within the sports science community. It’s a shift away from solely focusing on protein intake and towards a more balanced and sustainable approach to fueling athletic performance.
Milan’s Victory and Modric’s Role
The exchange between Del Piero and Modric took place following Milan’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Inter. While the victory moved Milan to second place in the Serie A standings, they still trail Inter by seven points. Modric, despite his age, was a key performer in the derby, demonstrating his ability to control the tempo of the game and create opportunities for his teammates. He acknowledged after the match that Milan needs to improve its consistency in matches against lower-ranked opponents to close the gap on Inter.
Milan has suffered only two losses in Serie A this season, a testament to their overall strength, while Inter has experienced five defeats. However, Inter’s superior record of 22 wins in 28 games demonstrates their dominance in the league. The head-to-head record between the two teams is also noteworthy, with Inter securing only one draw against Milan’s nine.
What’s Next for Modric and Milan?
AC Milan will appear to continue their strong form as they navigate the remainder of the Serie A season. Their next fixture is scheduled for March 17th against Hellas Verona at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi in Verona, Italy. The match will provide another opportunity for Modric to showcase his skills and contribute to Milan’s pursuit of the league title.
Modric’s continued success in Italy is not only a boon for Milan but also a source of inspiration for aspiring footballers of all ages. His dedication to the game, combined with a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through hard work and discipline. Whether he can truly play until 50 remains to be seen, but for now, Luka Modric is proving that age is just a number.
