Real Madrid Croatian midfielder Luka Modric said on Thursday that he would leave Spanish giants after the club World Cup this summer. “Everything in life has a start and an end … Saturday, I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabeu,” said Modric, 39, in a post on Instagram, while he reaches the end of his contract with Los Blancos. “I am leaving with a full heart, filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories.” And even if, after the club World Cup, I will no longer wear this shirt on the field, I will always be a fan of Madrid. “”
The Croatian has played nearly 600 games for Real Madrid since he joined Tottenham in 2012, winning the Champions League six times, the Copa del Rey twice and four titles the Liga from 28 trophies in total.
Modric had trouble at the start of his Madrid career after a move worth around 35 million euros ($ 40 million), but quickly found its place and became one of the best field circles in the world.
Modric, who became captain of Madrid last summer, won the Ballon d’Or in 2018 for his performances with Madrid and also his country, while Croatia ended as finalists at the World Cup in Russia.
“During these years, I experienced incredible moments, returns that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights in the Bernabeu,” continued Modric.
“We won everything and I was very happy. Very, very happy.”
‘Era unforgettable’
Modric signed an extension of one year to one year until June 30, 2025 last summer, but can stay a few days beyond if Madrid progressed from their group of the Club World Cup as planned. The tournament ends on July 13.
“Real Madrid and our captain Luka Modric agreed to end an unforgettable time … After the club World Cup in which our team will participate from June 18 in the United States,” said Madrid in a statement.
“Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and affection to someone who is one of the greatest legends of our club and in world football …
“Modric is one of the five players who, throughout the history of football, has managed to win six European cups, and he is the player with the most trophies in 123 years of Real Madrid.”
The midfielder scored 43 goals for Madrid in 590 games and is the ninth largest manufacturer of the club appearance. The former Raul striker is the first with 741 games.
“Modric will always remain in the hearts of all Madrid fans as a single and exemplary footballer, who has always represented the values of Madrid,” said Madrid president Florentino Perez.
“Madrid fans and all the fans of the world fell in love with his football, his heritage will remain forever.”
Tributes from his spent and present teammates flocked on social networks.
“The only thing to prevail over my sadness at the moment is the gratitude that I feel of having had the honor of being your teammate,” wrote the Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham on Instagram, sharing a photo of himself and Modric.
“You are a constant reminder of everything that is beautiful in football.”
“Legend,” wrote the Brazilian winger of Madrid, Vinicius Junior, in the position of Modric.
The real ISCO playmaker, who played alongside Modric in Madrid for nine seasons, wrote: “Being loved by everyone is the most difficult thing and you have done it with your football and your way.”
Modric’s imminent departure is another hit for Madrid, who was already missing in the midfield after Toni Kroos retirement last summer.
Los Blancheos has however already signed the defender Dean Huijsen de Bournemouth and should bring Liverpool’s right back, Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of his contract.
(This story has not been published by NDTV staff and is automatically generated from a unionized flow.)
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