Table of Contents
- Croatian midfielder Luka Modric left the football world stunned when he announced that he will be leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season
- Modric, who signed a one-year contract extension at Real Madrid towards the end of last season, scored two goals and registered six assists in 34 matches this campaign
- He has been a key player for Real Madrid since his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2012
On Thursday, Croatian midfielder Luka Modric left the football world stunned when he announced that he will be leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season. Modric, 39, has been with the Los Blancos for the past 13 years, achieving great success in what has been a legendary career.
He will play his last match for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu this Saturday when they host Real Sociedad. It will also be Real’s final La Liga game in a season which has gone Barcelona’s way as the Catalans have already been crowned league champions following their 2-0 win over Espanyol a few days ago. Hansi Flick’s men also won the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana after beating Real in both finals.
Luka Modric. Photo/ Eurosport.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid, 15 time UEFA Champions League winners, still have a chance to win a title this season at the FIFA Club World Cup which will take place in June and July. And one player who the football world will be keeping an on at the tournament is Modric. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner will be hoping to end his career as a white by triumph in the tournament.
What Modric Said?
“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.” Modric wrote on Instagram.
Modric has been a key player for Real Madrid since his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2012. While he seemed to struggle in his first season in Madrid, things eventually picked up for him and he has gone on to become one of the finest midfielders of his generation.
The Croatian has been a key player for the Los Blancos, helping them win a total of 28 trophies since his arrival. He has been a part of 6 UEFA Champions League winning squads and also boasts four La Liga titles, six FIFA Club World Cup, two Copa del Rey triumphs, five European Super Cups and five Spanish Super Cups.
Although his role in the team reduced this season, he played in every Champions League fixture, including their quarter-final defeat against Arsenal at the Bernabeu.
Modric, who signed a one-year contract extension at Real Madrid towards the end of last season, scored two goals and registered six assists in 34 matches this campaign. Although he was a substitute in most matches, he will leave as the most decorated player after 590 appearances.
Modric has been Real’s captain this season and has led the club to two trophies – the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup. He took over the captain’s arm band from Nacho Fernandez, who left for Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah.
Luka Modric. Photo/ beIN SPORTS.
What Next For Luka Modric?
According to former footballer Nikola Jerkan, now a member of the Croatia national team coaching staff, Modric wanted to continue at Real Madrid past this season. In fact, there were expectations that the Spanish giants could offer him another deal once the campaign ends. He had even spoken to Real’s incoming coach Xabi Alonso who was also open to the idea of him spending another season at the club.
However, there has been a change of direction from Real Madrid leaders in recent days, which explains why he wasn’t offered a contract extension.
Modric isn’t planning to retire anytime soon, according to Jerkan. The Ballon d’Or winner will play in the next matches for Croatia and will also stay active at club level. He is aiming to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which means we could still sign for a top club after his Real Madrid exit in the summer.
