REAL MADRID ICON LUKA MODRIĆ TO BID FAREWELL AT BERNABÉU THIS WEEKEND

Real Madrid legend Luka Modrić will play his final match at the Santiago Bernabéu this Saturday against Real Sociedad. This marks the end of his successful 13-year career with the Spanish giants.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder has confirmed his departure from Real Madrid at the season’s end. Modrić shared the news on Instagram, stating, “Everything in life has a start and an end… on Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu.” The club has planned a special farewell ceremony to honor their captain, who has been key to Madrid’s success over the years.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Modrić joined Real Madrid from Tottenham in 2012 for around €35 million. He has played nearly 600 games for Los Blancos, winning six Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns, among other honors. In 2018, he won the Ballon d’Or after leading Real Madrid to Champions League victory and guiding Croatia to the World Cup final.

This season, Real Madrid have already clinched the La Liga title, sitting 10 points clear of second-placed Barcelona. Despite reduced playing time, Modrić has made 24 league appearances and provided valuable experience to Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

WHAT MODRIĆ SAID

“I’m leaving with a full heart, filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories,” Modrić wrote in his emotional announcement. “Throughout these years, I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabeu. We won it all, and I was very happy. Very, very happy.”

The midfielder also promised to remain connected to the club, adding, “Even though I’m no longer going to wear this shirt on the pitch, I will always be a Madrid fan.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

After Saturday’s final La Liga match against Real Sociedad, Real Madrid will focus on this summer’s Club World Cup in the United States. There was some confusion about Modrić’s participation in the tournament, with conflicting reports about whether he would join the team for their first match against Al Hilal on June 18. Latest information suggests he will not participate in the Club World Cup.

Real Madrid now face the challenge of rebuilding their midfield without one of their most influential players. With Modrić’s departure, more responsibility will fall on younger talents like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde as the club seeks to maintain their dominance in Spanish and European football next season.