Real Madrid has had extraordinary football stars over the decades—true legends of the world’s most important unimportant thing—but never a player quite like Luka Modrić. And after 13 years marked by success, after more than a decade that will be remembered as the most fruitful era in the history of the Royal Club, the time has come for a farewell. The time has come for Real’s one-of-a-kind and most decorated footballer in Los Blancos history to leave Madrid.🚨🇭🇷 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 | Luka Modric (39) will LEAVE Real Madrid at the end of the season, reports @FabrizioRomano. 👋He has been at Real Madrid for 13 years, winning 28 trophies and making 590 appearances. Incredible legacy. 🥹✨ pic.twitter.com/Gr6Fec3YGT— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) May 22, 2025 Although Xabi Alonso—who is soon to take over from Carlo Ancelotti—wanted Modrić to stay for another year, the Spanish giant has decided not to offer the Croatian star a new contract. As a result, Santiago Bernabeu will host a spectacular farewell on Saturday at 17:15 against Real Sociedad, honoring the legend who won six Champions League titles and a total of 28 trophies with the Royal Club. However, Spanish outlet Marca reports that Luka’s final performance will be at the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 14 in the United States.Rodrygo Goes to North London?! Arsenal are seriously after Madrid’s wingerThe Croatian international had hoped to remain at the club for another year—turning down a lavish offer from Saudi Arabia last June for that very reason—but Real’s management decided Modrić would not be part of the new project under Alonso. This current season has proven that football class is indestructible and eternal, but even a 39-year-old couldn’t defy nature, biology, and his own physical limits. Therefore, Spain’s second-largest stadium will say goodbye on Saturday to two legends—Modrić and Carlo Ancelotti.Carletto’s La Liga farewell tour starts tonight at Santiago BernabeuThat there is no doubt Luka is leaving the Spanish capital is also confirmed by a letter sent to all Madrid fans.“The time has come. The time I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end… On Saturday I’ll play my last game at the Santiago Bernabeu. I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn’t have imagined what came next. 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. I want to sincerely thank the club, especially president Florentino Perez, my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has helped me throughout this time. Over the years, I’ve experienced incredible moments, seemingly impossible comebacks, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabéu… We’ve won everything, and I’ve been very happy. Very, very happy. But beyond the titles and victories, I carry the affection of all Real Madrid fans in my heart. I truly don’t know how to explain the special connection I have with you and how supported, respected, and loved I have felt and still feel. I will never forget every ovation and all the gestures of affection you have shown me. I’m leaving with a full heart. Full of pride, gratitude, and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I won’t be wearing this shirt on the pitch again, I will always be a Real Madrid fan. We’ll meet again. Real Madrid will always be my home. For life. Hala Madrid and Nothing Else“ he wrote.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939450##
