Former Ballon d’or winner Luka Modric has announced his decision to leave Spanish giants Real Madrid at the end of the campaign.
The 39-year old in an emotional farewell message on Thursday afternoon, has finally called time on his career at the club after 13 trophy-laden years.
Modric’s statement
Carlo Ancelotti’s departure at the end of the season and club president Fiorentino Perez’s refusal to extend his contract might have possibly influenced the Croatian captain’s decision to leave.
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“Dear Real 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 Bernabéu.
I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the shirt of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things. But I couldn’t have imagined what came next”, the former Tottenham midfielder posted on Instagram.
The 2018 World Cup golden ball winner also won the Ballon d’or in 2018 alongside the FIFA Men’s Player Award, while he has also been named in the FIFPro FIFA World XI on six occasions.
“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 Pérez, my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has helped me throughout this time”, Modric continued.
“Over these years, I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabéu. We’ve won everything, and I’ve been very happy. Very, very happy
I’m leaving with a full heart. Full of pride, gratitude, and indelible memories. And although, after the Club World Cup, I won’t wear this shirt on the pitch again, I will always be a Real Madrid fan. We will meet again. Real Madrid will always be my home. For life. Hala Madrid, and Nothing Else. Luka Modric,” he concluded.
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What next for Modric?
The Croatian leaves Real Madrid as the club’s most decorated player in history after 13 years, having won 28 titles at the club- six European Cups, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four Laliga titles, two Copa Del Rey and five Spanish Super Cups.
The 39-year old will play his final game at the Bernabeu this weekend against Real Sociedad, with his contract expiring later this month.
Read more on this: Ancelotti set to exit Real Madrid
Modric is expected to participate in the Club World Cup this summer, although his future path- whether playing elsewhere or management, remains undecided.
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