Luka Modric has revealed what Florentino Perez did following Real Madrid's crushing defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup.
Real were knocked out of the Club World Cup at the hands of PSG, who ran out 4-0 winners in Wednesday's semi-final at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
It spells the end of their campaign in the United States as they won't be involved in a third-place play-off match.
The defeat to PSG also brings an end to Modric's legendary Real career as he departs on the back of his contract expiring.
He will join AC Milan in August after penning a one-year deal.
Naturally, Modric was full of emotions after playing his final game for Real against PSG.
He was consoled by Xabi Alonso as the 39-year-old received a hero's reception from his teammates.
Luka Modric was serenaded by his Real Madrid teammates following his final appearance. Image: Getty
Luka Modric was serenaded by his Real Madrid teammates following his final appearance. Image: Getty
And club president Perez also paid him a touching tribute as he was reduced to tears.
That's according to Modric, who was stunned by Perez's reaction, having never seen him cry before.
"The president has been very important to me, first because he brought me here," he told Spanish outlet Marca. "Since that moment, he has always shown me special affection, he has always treated me very well. Now I can say it: he treated me differently, he had a very special affection for me. And I think he showed it in my last match, because I had never seen the president cry."
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez broke down in tears following Luka Modric's final game for the club. Image: Getty
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez broke down in tears following Luka Modric's final game for the club. Image: Getty
Reflecting on his glittering 13-year spell with the Spanish giants, Modric added: "It's hard to say, but they are mixed emotions. An unforgettable, glorious, and victorious era has ended. What I've experienced gives me even more joy. Remembering everything I've achieved here makes me very happy, even if it's over. At Real Madrid, I've grown as a player and as a person. Real Madrid has given me everything in football, and for that I'll be grateful for life. I'll always be a Real Madrid fan."
The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner has won 28 trophies with Real following his move from Tottenham in the summer of 2012.
He won an impressive six Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles during his trophy-laden spell.