Modrić to depart Real Madrid after Club World Cup

Real Madrid legend Luka Modrić will go away the membership this summer time after the Club World Cup, the membership and the participant introduced on Thursday.

Modrić, 39, has starred for Madrid for 13 seasons, profitable a club-record 28 trophies.

The 2018 Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder has performed a discounted function for Madrid in fresh seasons, however has remained essential, that includes in 34 LaLiga video games this season, 16 as a starter.

“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,” Madrid mentioned in a remark on Thursday. “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 needs Luka Modrić and his circle of relatives the entire highest on this new degree of his lifestyles. The Santiago Bernabéu can pay tribute to him this Saturday at the instance of our group’s ultimate LaLiga fit.”

“Dear Madridistas, the time has come. The second I by no means sought after to return, however that is soccer, and in lifestyles the whole thing has a starting and an finish,” Modrić mentioned in a publish on social media.

“On Saturday I will be able to play my final fit on the Santiago Bernabéu. I arrived in 2012 with the will to put on the blouse of the most efficient group on the planet and with the ambition to do giant issues, however I could not believe what got here subsequent.

“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 complete center. Filled with satisfaction, gratitude and unforgettable recollections. And even supposing, after the Club World Cup, I’m now not going to put on this blouse at the box, I’ll all the time be a Madrid fan.”

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.

In an era dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, he gained the 2018 Ballon d’Or after serving to Croatia succeed in the 2018 World Cup ultimate.

“Luka Modrić will stay ceaselessly within the hearts of all Real Madrid enthusiasts as a singular and exemplary footballer, who has all the time represented the values of Real Madrid,” Madrid president Florentino Pérez said. “His soccer captivated Real Madrid enthusiasts and enthusiasts all over the world. His legacy will continue to exist ceaselessly.”

Madrid have had a disappointing season, failing to win a significant trophy for the primary time since 2021.

The group are actually making ready for a vital rebuild this summer time, with trainer Carlo Ancelotti leaving and set to get replaced by way of Xabi Alonso.