Over the last number of years, we've seen several veteran Real Madrid players depart for the next step of their careers as the club transitions towards the newer, younger generation of players. Almost all of the players of the old guard have moved on as the club very much looks towards the new era of Real Madrid.
Players like Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, and Toni Kroos, who were key parts of Real's success, have either retired or left the club and have been replaced by the new generation of players.
The most recent veteran player who has seen his time at Real Madrid come to an end is Luka Modric. The Croatian left the club after more than a decade of history once his contract expired this summer and has since joined AC Milan.
Since joining the Italian giants, Modric has shown he still has what it takes to play at the top level, and is exactly what Real Madrid are missing this season, which has left many scratching their heads as to why Real let the Croatian leave without putting up a fight to keep him.
The 40-year-old has shown that he is ageing like fine wine, and age is just a number, as even at his age, he has walked in and become one of the best players in Serie A. Modric is a key player to the AC Milan system, perfectly controlling the tempo, which is exactly what Real Madrid is lacking.
While Real Madrid has copious amounts of midfield talent [with the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni](https://therealchamps.com/aurelien-tchouameni-made-his-thoughts-xabi-alonso-crystal-clear), Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, and Arda Guler, much like when Toni Kroos retired, Real Madrid is struggling to find their Luka Modric replacement, which is exactly what fans feared when the decision was made to let the Croatian leave.
Modric has already bagged a goal and two assists for AC Milan and is a major part of the Italian club's turnaround in form compared to last season. Modric signed a one-year contract with the option for another year, and given the form he's showing, many are still questioning why Real couldn't offer that same kind of deal, as the midfielder is almost the perfect player for Xabi Alonso's system.
[Will Real Madrid regret not putting up more of a fight to keep Luka Modric](https://therealchamps.com/luka-modric-best-moments-achievements-real-madrid-2025)? In the end, only time will tell, but at the moment, fans would tell you 100% yes.