Luka Modric of Real Madrid poses with the UEFA Champions League trophy after the Spanish club won the final against Germany's Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium in London, England, June 1, 2024. /VCG
Luka Modric of Real Madrid poses with the UEFA Champions League trophy after the Spanish club won the final against Germany's Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium in London, England, June 1, 2024. /VCG
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric – the most decorated player in the club's history – have agreed to part ways after this summer's FIFA Club World Cup.
The 39-year-old Modric will exit after an "unforgettable time as a player at our club," Real Madrid said in Thursday's announcement.
Madrid will pay tribute to the Croatian playmaker in their last match of the season, Saturday's La Liga meeting with Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The Club World Cup starts in mid-June in the USA.
"The moment has arrived," Modric posted on social media. "The moment I never wanted to come, but that's football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end. On Saturday, I'll play my last game at the Santiago Bernabeu."
Modric moved to Madrid in 2012 and became a key player during one of the most successful periods in the club's history.
"Real Madrid wishes to express its immense gratitude and appreciation for a player who has become a true legend both of our club and world football," the statement noted.
In 13 seasons, Modric helped Real win 28 championships – six UEFA Champions League titles, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four Spanish La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey, and five Spanish Super Cups.
"Luka Modric will forever remain in the hearts of all 'Madridistas' (Madrid fans) as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid," club president Florentino Perez said. "His football has captured the imagination of madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever."
The Croatian midfielder has made 590 appearances for Real – eighth on the club's all-time list – and has scored 43 goals. He had been playing fewer minutes in recent seasons under coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Modric is one of just five players to have won six Champions League titles.
In 2018, he won the Ballon d'Or, was named FIFA's Best Men's Player and UEFA's Men's Player of the Year. He's also been selected as the Best Midfielder in the Champions League twice.
"I'm leaving filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories," Modric said. "And although after the Club World Cup, I won't wear this shirt on the field again, I'll always be a madridista."
Modric did not indicate his post-Madrid plans, but a major motivating factor could be that the 2026 World Cup is only a year away.
Source(s): AP