Luka Modrić Announces He Will Leave Real Madrid This Summer

‎Real Madrid’s Croatian midfielder, Luka Modric, said Thursday he would leave the Spanish giants after the Club World Cup this summer.

‎”Everything in life has a start and an end… on Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabeu,” said Modric, 39, in a post on Instagram, as he reaches the end of his contract with Los Blancos.

‎”I’m leaving with a full heart, filled with pride, gratitude, and unforgettable memories.

‎”And even though, after the Club World Cup, I’m no longer going to wear this shirt on the pitch, I will always be a Madrid fan.

‎Luka Modrić has played nearly 600 games for Real Madrid since transferring from Tottenham in 2012. He has won six Champions League titles and four La Liga championships with the club.

‎Despite a difficult start, he quickly adapted and became one of the world’s finest midfielders.

‎Modric, who became Madrid captain last summer, won the Ballon d’Or in 2018 for his performances with Madrid and also his country, as Croatia finished as runners-up at the World Cup in Russia.

‎”Throughout these years, I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabeu,” continued Modric.

‎”We won it all and I was very happy. Very, very happy.

‎Memorable era

‎Last summer, Modrić signed a one-year contract extension until June 30, 2025.

‎However, he may remain a few days longer if Madrid advances from their Club World Cup group as anticipated, with the tournament ending on July 13th.

‎”Real Madrid and our captain Luka Modric have agreed to end an unforgettable era… after the Club World Cup that our team will compete in from June 18 in the United States,” said Madrid in a statement.

‎”Real Madrid want to show their gratitude and affection to someone who is one of the biggest legends at our club and in world football…

‎”Modric is one of the five players who, in the whole of football history, has managed to win six European Cups, and he is the player with the most trophies in 123 years of Real Madrid’s existence.”

‎The midfielder scored 43 goals for Madrid in 590 games and is the club’s ninth-highest appearance-maker. Former striker Raul is first with 741 games.

‎”Modric will always stay in the hearts of all Madrid fans as a unique and exemplary footballer, who has always represented Madrid’s values,” said Madrid president Florentino Perez.

‎”Madrid fans and all fans in the world fell in love with his football, his legacy will remain forever.”