Luka Modrić announces he is leaving Real Madrid
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Luka Modrić (Photo credit: Богдан Заяц/Football.ua/CC BY-SA 3.0)
Luka Modrić has announced that he is leaving Real Madrid.
Modrić, who will turn 40 later this year, announced the news on Instagram.
“The moment I never wanted to arrive, but that’s football – and in life, everything has a beginning and an end… On Saturday, I will play my final match at the Santiago Bernabéu.
I arrived in 2012, full of excitement to wear the shirt of the best club in the world and with the ambition to achieve great things – but I could never have imagined what was to come.
Playing for Real Madrid changed my life, both as a footballer and as a person.
I feel proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras in the history of the greatest club.
I would like to sincerely thank the club – especially President Florentino Pérez – my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has supported me throughout these years.
Over the course of this time, I have experienced incredible moments: comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabéu… We have won everything, and I have been very happy. Truly, deeply happy.
But beyond the titles and victories, what I carry in my heart is the affection of all Madrid fans. I honestly don’t know how to put into words the special connection I feel with you and how supported, respected, and loved I have felt – and continue to feel.
I will never forget each ovation and every gesture of kindness you have shown me.
I leave with a full heart – full of pride, gratitude, and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I will no longer wear this shirt on the pitch, I will always be a Madridista.
We will see each other again.
Real Madrid will always be my home. For life.
Hala Madrid y Nada Más.
Luka Modrić
View this post on Instagram
Although his time at Real Madrid is coming to an end, Modrić is motivated to represent Croatia at the 2026 World Cup. To reach that goal, he will need to keep playing at a competitive level next season.
What comes next is still undecided, but the idea of returning to where it all began—Dinamo Zagreb—could be an unlikely scenario.
