‘One of the biggest legend’- Tributes flow as Ballon D”or winner announces Real Madrid exit
Luka Modric, the renowned Croatian midfielder, has announced that he will be leaving Real Madrid after the Club World Cup this summer. The 39-year-old, who has been an integral part of the Spanish giants since joining from Tottenham in 2012, revealed the news on Instagram, expressing his gratitude and pride for the unforgettable memories he has created during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Modric’s departure marks the end of an era for Real Madrid, as he has been a key player in the team’s success, winning an impressive 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles, four La Liga titles, and two Copa del Rey trophies. The Croatian midfielder has played nearly 600 games for Real Madrid, scoring 43 goals and becoming the club’s ninth-highest appearance maker.
Throughout his illustrious career, Modric has demonstrated exceptional skill, vision, and leadership, earning him numerous individual accolades, including the Ballon d’Or in 2018. His dedication, work ethic, and passion for the game have made him a beloved figure among Real Madrid fans and a respected opponent among his peers.
Real Madrid has released a statement expressing their gratitude and affection for Modric, acknowledging his immense contributions to the club’s success. “Real Madrid want to show their gratitude and affection to someone who is one of the biggest legends at our club and in world football,” the statement read. “Modric is one of the five players who, in the whole of football history, has managed to win six European Cups, and he is the player with the most trophies in 123 years of Real Madrid’s existence.”
Tributes have poured in from Modric’s teammates, past and present, with many taking to social media to express their admiration and appreciation for the Croatian midfielder. Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid midfielder, wrote, “The only thing outweighing my sadness right now is the gratitude I feel for having had the honor of being your teammate… You’re a constant reminder of everything that is beautiful about football.”
Modric’s impending departure is a significant blow for Real Madrid, who are already dealing with the loss of Toni Kroos, who retired last summer. However, the club has already begun to strengthen their squad, signing defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and set to bring in Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of his contract.
As Modric prepares to bid farewell to Real Madrid, he will undoubtedly leave behind a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of footballers with his exceptional talent, dedication, and passion for the game.
