Croatian midfielder Luka Modric has announced he will leave Real Madrid after the Club World Cup this summer, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in his football career.
In an emotional Instagram post on Thursday, the 39-year-old wrote, “Everything in life has a start and an end… on Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabeu.” With his contract set to expire, Modric confirmed his departure, reflecting on his time at the club with gratitude and pride.
“I’m leaving with a full heart, filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories,” he shared. “And even though, after the Club World Cup, I’m no longer going to wear this shirt on the pitch, I will always be a Madrid fan.”
Since his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for a fee of around 35 million euros (\$40 million), Modric has become one of the most decorated and admired players in Real Madrid’s history. Despite a challenging start, he evolved into a midfield maestro, amassing nearly 600 appearances for the club.
His trophy cabinet boasts six Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns, among numerous other honours. In 2018, he capped his exceptional form with a Ballon d’Or win, following a standout season with Madrid and Croatia’s journey to the World Cup final in Russia.
“Throughout these years I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabeu,” Modric added. “We won it all and I was very happy. Very, very happy.”
What you should know
Luka Modric leaves Real Madrid as a legend, having played a pivotal role in the club’s most successful modern era. His departure marks the end of over a decade of brilliance, leadership, and consistency at the heart of Madrid’s midfield.
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