The sting of Real Madrid’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final marked more than just the end of a tournament; it signaled the emotional farewell of two club legends, Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez.
Both stars will depart the Santiago Bernabéu after hugely successful careers, with the Croatian maestro reportedly set for a move to AC Milan.
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Modrić, 39, concludes an illustrious 13-season tenure with Los Blancos, during which he lifted every major trophy imaginable. As the team journeyed back to Madrid from the United States, a poignant video emerged via El Chiringuito TV, capturing a significant moment of transition.
The footage showed Modrić boarding the team coach and, in a symbolic gesture, handing his final Real Madrid shirt – the very one he wore in the Club World Cup – to promising young talent Arda Güler.
“🤍🥺When the team landed in Madrid, Luka Modrić gifted his shirt to Arda Güler, and the two shared a hug.
@elchiringuitotv”
This exchange is widely interpreted as a passing of the guard, with the 20-year-old Turkish international poised to step into a role reminiscent of Modrić’s influential presence in the heart of Real Madrid’s midfield.
Under former coach Carlo Ancelotti, Güler primarily featured on the right wing. However, new head coach Xabi Alonso has deployed him in a more central, creative, and linking role, where he has already begun to thrive in the initial matches of the new season.
Many observers are now touting Güler as the potential “new Modrić,” given his early performances.
For Güler, receiving such a personal memento from a player he clearly looks up to must have been a profoundly special moment.
Modrić has undoubtedly served as an invaluable role model during their time together at the club. Should Güler even come close to emulating the extraordinary qualities of the departing Croatian icon, he is sure to be an immense asset to Real Madrid for years to come.