Real Madrid captain Luka Modric has announced that he is leaving the club after the FIFA World Club Cup, bringing an end to his 13-year association with the club.
The Croatian has enjoyed a successful time at the Santiago Bernabeu since joining from Tottenham in 2012; he is leaving as the most decorated player in the club’s history with a club-record 28 trophies.
The 39-year-old has endured a bit-part role in the squad because of his age, but he still managed to rack up 34 league appearances this season, with 16 coming as a starter.
Modric took to social media on Thursday to announce his exit at the end of the FIFA Club World Cup in July.
He wrote: “Dear Madridistas, the time has come. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life, everything has a beginning and an end.
“On Saturday, I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu. I arrived in 2012 with the desire to wear the shirt of the best team in the world and with the ambition to do big things, but I couldn’t imagine what came next.
“Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a football player and as a person. I am proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.
“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 field, I’ll always be a Madrid fan.”
Similarly, Real Madrid also confirmed in a statement that Modric will be leaving the club in the summer while expressing gratitude to the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner.
The statement read: “Real Madrid C.F. and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to end an unforgettable period as a player for our club at the end of the Club World Cup, which our team will play starting June 18 in the United States. Real Madrid would like to express its gratitude and deep affection for the man who is already one of the greatest legends of our club and of world football.
“Real Madrid wishes Luka Modrić and his family all the best in this new stage of his life. The Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to him this Saturday on the occasion of our team’s final LaLiga match.”
Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez, showered encomiums on Modric, saying his legacy at the club will live forever.
He said, “Luka Modrić will remain forever in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always represented the values of Real Madrid. His football captivated Real Madrid fans and fans around the world. His legacy will live on forever.”
Modrić is one of just five players to have won six European Cups, being part of Madrid’s Champions League-winning teams in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2024.
He also won the 2018 Ballon d’Or after leading Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final.
Modric is expected to play his last match for Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday against Real Sociedad before representing the club in the FIFA World Club Cup, after which he will end his sojourn with the club.
Real Madrid will open their Club World Cup campaign against Al Hilal on June 18 before taking on the likes of Pachuca and RB Salzburg in the group stage.
