Modric to leave Real Madrid after Club World Cup

Real Madrid captain Luka Modric will leave the club this summer. He announced this after their Fifa Club World Cup campaign ends.

The 39-year-old midfielder will play his last match at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid hosts Real Sociedad on Saturday for their final La Liga game.

"The moment has arrived," Modric said on Instagram. "I never wanted it to come, but that's football."

Modric joined Real from Spurs in 2012 and has won 28 trophies. This includes six Champions Leagues and four domestic titles.

He expressed pride in being part of such a successful era. "Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and person," he said.

Real Madrid will begin their Club World Cup campaign against Al-Hilal on June 18. They will also face Pachuca from Mexico and Austria's RB Salzburg in the group stage.

This season, Modric scored two goals and made six assists in La Liga. Real Madrid finished second, behind Barcelona, for the title.

He played every game as Carlo Ancelotti's team reached the Champions League quarter-finals. They lost to Arsenal with an aggregate score of 5-1.

Modric signed a one-year contract extension last year, which expires soon. Saturday's match will also be Ancelotti's last as coach of Real Madrid.

Xabi Alonso is reportedly set to succeed him as manager.

Luka Modric holds the record for most trophies won with Real Madrid. He has made 590 appearances, scoring 43 goals and providing 95 assists.

Club president Florentino Perez praised Modric’s contributions to the team. "His legacy will live on forever," he stated.

In his final season, Modric helped win two trophies, bringing his total to 28 titles. His achievements include six Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles over his time at Real.

In 2018, he became the first player since Ronaldo and Messi to win the Ballon d'Or. He is also the oldest player to represent Los Blancos in La Liga.

Last month, Modric became an investor and co-owner of Swansea City in England’s Championship league.

Guillem Balague commented that it feels like an end of an era for Modric at Real Madrid. Despite playing less this season, he remains influential on the field.

Balague noted that football is evolving towards more physical players like Pedri at Barcelona. While Modric pushed to stay with Real, doubts about his role lingered within the club.

Ancelotti had informed him about changes in midfield dynamics involving younger players like Tchouameni and Valverde.

While Kroos adapted well to these changes, Modric faced challenges adjusting to a reduced role on the bench at times.

Ultimately, Balague believes this decision reflects a new direction for Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso’s leadership.