Modric adresses Benzema's move to Al Ittihad

Luka Modric, who turns 38 on Saturday 9 September, is still a key player in Real Madrid's squad after extending his contract by a further season last June, until June 2024.
Although he has played little since the start of the season, the Croatian took advantage of the international break to talk about his expectations and objectives in an interview with the 'SN' media:
On his birthday: "I'll be 38 on Saturday. That's fantastic! If someone had told me 10 years ago that I'd still enjoy football and everything it brings: training, meeting my team-mates, the support of the fans, I honestly wouldn't have believed them."
On his start to the season: "3 games on the bench? Nobody's happy when they're not playing. I've never been on the bench for so many games in a row, so it's a strange feeling for me. But the coach decides. I'm certainly not going to sink or weaken because of that. Quite the opposite, in fact.
On the rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia: "I'm happy and fulfilled at Real Madrid, I don't think about anything else. I don't need to boost my ego with these stories of big offers either. I just want to enjoy every moment of football and Real Madrid."
On his role in the Madrid dressing room: "We veterans have to help the youngsters progress and gradually take over. In that sense, I've been doing it for a long time and I'm happy that these youngsters, whether it's Rodrygo, Vinicius or the new guys, want advice and use our experience."
On his personal expectations for this season: "The club, Ancelotti and I had clear conversations and agreements. My only condition for staying was to be treated as a competitive player and not to be retained in the team on the basis of my past merits."
On his relationship with Toni Kroos: "Kroos and I are not giving up, even if we are aware that the end of the story is approaching. It's a natural thing. Toni is four years younger, but he has a different vision of how long he wants his career to last than I do."
On his relationship with Benzema: "I miss Benzema, we were together for 11 years. Every time Ramos, Marcelo or Ronaldo leave, I feel the same sense of nostalgia. They're special relationships, bound together for the rest of our lives."