Real Madrid: Luka Modric confirms he will leave after season Veteran Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić has formally declared that he will depart Real Madrid at the conclusion of the current season, bringing an end to one of the most glorious tenures in club history.
In an Instagram post, the 39-year-old Spaniard confirmed that today will be his last match at Santiago Bernabéu. “The time has come. The time I wished would never come, but everything that starts has an end, however much we wish it didn’t,” Modrić wrote.
Modric, a 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, arrived at Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 and became the club’s most decorated player, capturing 27 titles – including six titles in the UEFA Champions League, four La LaLiga titles and several domestic and international honours. (He has also appeared 534 times, scored 39 goals and been a key part of the club’s success over the last decade.)
“Playing for Real Madrid was the biggest thing on my football and life path,” Modrić said in his farewell message. “We will be seeing each other again. Real Madrid will forever be my home. For life. Hala Madrid, and nothing else.
Midfield: What’s next?
Modrić’s departure means that Real Madrid now needs to reshape its midfield. His influence will be sorely missed, but the club has already initiated the transition to a new generation of talent.
The young stars of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde are all likely to play more big parts in the season to come. They have all shown flashes of brilliance thus far, and their development will be vital in addressing the hole left by the Croatian maestro.
The club are also expected to make signings as a sign of the summer and will be doing so to add experience and depth in midfield. Manager: Ancelotti might decide to change his approach to match his talented young guns and could opt to play more reactionary and at a higher tempo.
A Lasting Legacy
Modric will not only leave a legacy of titles but also that of professionalism, leadership and sporting spirit. He is considered one of Croatia’s national heroes, having earned 178 national team caps and becoming the most-capped national team player.
And as Real Madrid comes to terms with a future without one of its all-time greats, fans, teammates and footballing legends from around the globe have paid tribute — celebrating the end of an iconic era.
