“The moment I never wanted to come…”
Real Madrid midfielder, Luka Modric has officially announced he will leave the Spanish giants after their FIFA Club World Cup campaign this summer, closing the curtain on a glittering 13-year career.
The 39-year-old Croatia international, who lifted the Ballon d’Or in 2018, confirmed on Instagram that Saturday’s La Liga clash against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu will be his final home game in Madrid colours.
“The moment has arrived. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end,” Modric said in an emotional farewell message.
A Legacy of Glory
Modric, who joined from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, departs as Real Madrid’s most decorated player, having won an astonishing 28 trophies, including:
6 Champions League titles
6 FIFA Club World Cups
5 UEFA Super Cups
4 La Liga titles
2 Copa del Rey trophies
5 Spanish Super Cups
“I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn’t have imagined what came next,” he reflected.
“Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person. I’m proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.”
Club President: “His legacy will live on forever”
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez hailed Modric as a once-in-a-generation talent.
“Modric will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid,” Pérez stated.
“His football has captured the imagination of Madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”
A Fitting Final Chapter: Club World Cup
Modric’s final competitive appearances for Real will come at the FIFA Club World Cup, where the Spanish side opens their campaign on 18 June against Al-Hilal.
They will also face Pachuca (Mexico) and RB Salzburg (Austria) in the group stage.
Despite being used mostly as a substitute this season, Modric still managed 2 goals and 6 assists in 34 La Liga appearances, an enduring quality even as younger midfielders like Camavinga, Valverde, and Tchouaméni took on bigger roles.
End of an Era: Modric & Ancelotti to Bow Out
Saturday’s clash against Real Sociedad will not only be Modric’s Bernabeu farewell, but also the last game for manager Carlo Ancelotti, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso reportedly lined up to take over.
Off the Pitch: New Ventures
Modric recently became a minority co-owner of Championship side Swansea City, suggesting his post-playing career may involve club management or ownership.
He also leaves with some notable records:
Oldest player and oldest goalscorer in Real Madrid’s La Liga history
590 appearances, 43 goals, 95 assists for Real Madrid
Only player outside Ronaldo and Messi to win Ballon d’Or since 2007
