Until recently, his future was uncertain, but now a decision has been made: Luka Modric’s time at Real Madrid will come to an end this summer. Both sides announced this on Thursday.
Luka Modric will play his last game at the Club World Cup starting on June 18, after which he will retire. After almost 13 years, the 39-year-old Croatian and Real Madrid will not be renewing their contract. The club announced this on Thursday afternoon.
“The moment has come that I never wanted to come,” Modric wrote on his Instagram account. ‘But that’s football. Everything in life has a beginning and an end.’ Whether the 39-year-old will end his career or continue elsewhere remains unclear for now.
Last home game this Saturday
The elegant midfielder won 28 titles with Real: six Champions League titles, six Club World Cups (most recently as Intercontinental Cup), five European Super Cups, four Spanish championships, two Spanish Cups and five Spanish Super Cups. In their farewell announcement, Real Madrid described Modric as the player with the most titles in the club’s 123-year history.
“Luka Modric will always remain in the hearts of all Real fans as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid,” praised President Florentino Perez: “His football has captivated Real fans and fans around the world. His legacy will live on forever.” Modric has played 590 games for Los Blancos since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2012, scoring 43 goals.
His 591th appearance will follow on Saturday when Real Sociedad visit the Santiago Bernabeu on the final day of La Liga. It is likely to be an emotional occasion. “I really don’t know how to explain this special connection I have with all of you,” Modric said to the fans, “and how much I have felt supported, respected, and loved. I will never forget any of the cheers or gestures of affection you have shown me.”
Modric is still playing for the Croatian national team, so it is unlikely that he will hang up his boots anytime soon.
