It was all shades of different emotions when Luka Modric played his last game for Real Madrid, a club he joined 13 years ago.
Softfootball can disclose that Luka Modric has officially brought his eventful Real Madrid career to a close, ending a legendary 13-year spell that saw him make 597 appearances and lift 28 trophies, the most in the club’s storied history.
The 39-year-old Croatian maestro played his final match in Wednesday’s Club World Cup semi-final, a night to forget as Paris Saint-Germain thrashed Madrid. Yet, that forgettable outing will do little to tarnish the legacy of one of the most iconic players to wear the famous white shirt.
Xabi Alonso, while speaking, said the departure of Modric will be hugely felt in the team. below is his instagram post
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Meanwhile, Modric confirmed his departure in an emotional post on Instagram shortly after the tournament:
“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.”
“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.”
Signed from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Modric evolved into the heartbeat of Madrid’s midfield. His honours include six Champions League titles, four La Liga trophies, and six Club World Cups, among others.
Despite playing a reduced role this season, often from the bench, Modric remained an influential figure. He scored twice and assisted six more in 34 La Liga appearances, while also featuring in every match of Madrid’s Champions League run to the quarter-finals.
Modric departs as Real Madrid’s most decorated player, surpassing Nacho Fernandez. He also becomes the club’s oldest La Liga goalscorer, having found the net against Valencia at the age of 39 years and 116 days, breaking Ferenc Puskas’ long-standing record.
In Club President Florentino Perez’s words, he addressed Modric as a forever “Madridista.” These were his statements;
“Modric will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas. His football has captured the imagination of fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”
The departure of Modric isn’t the end of his football career, as Softfootball has earlier reported. The Croatian is set to join Massimiliano Allegri at AC Milan ahead of next season.
Modric will continue his playing career with AC Milan, having agreed to a one-year deal with the Serie A giants. He also recently became a minority stakeholder in Swansea City, marking his first step into football ownership.
Though his playing time at Madrid had dwindled in recent years, his leadership remained vital. In his final season, he lifted two trophies as captain, demonstrating his enduring presence on and off the pitch.
