Sat May 24 14:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Luka Modric, the 39-year-old Croatian midfielder, is set to leave Real Madrid this summer after 13 years with the club. His final game at the Bernabeu is this Saturday against Real Sociedad. Modric has made 590 appearances for Real Madrid and is their oldest player. He has won numerous titles, including four La Liga titles, six Champions Leagues, and two Copas del Rey. Modric’s former coaches and teammates, including Jose Mourinho, Ivan Rakitic, Harry Redknapp, and Slaven Bilic, have praised his talent, work ethic, and character. Current Real Madrid players like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, and Federico Valverde have also expressed their gratitude and admiration for Modric’s impact on and off the field.
**News Article:**
**Luka Modric Set to Bid Farewell to Real Madrid After Illustrious 13-Year Career**
**Madrid, Spain** – Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has announced that he will be leaving the club this summer, marking the end of a remarkable 13-year tenure. The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder will play his final game at the Bernabeu this Saturday against Real Sociedad, promising an emotional farewell to a player who has become synonymous with the club’s success. He appeared to confirm his participation in the revamped Club World Cup.
Modric’s legacy at Real Madrid is undeniable. He has amassed 590 appearances and helped the team secure an impressive collection of trophies, including four La Liga titles, six Champions League crowns, and two Copas del Rey.
Tributes have poured in from former coaches and teammates, highlighting not only Modric’s exceptional talent but also his humility and leadership. Jose Mourinho, who brought Modric to Real Madrid, expressed his pride in having fought for the signing, while former Croatian teammate Ivan Rakitic lauded Modric as a “unique, incredible player and an even better person.” Harry Redknapp, Modric’s former manager at Tottenham, praised his resilience and footballing intelligence. Slaven Bilic emphasized Modric’s role in elevating Croatian football on the world stage.
Current Real Madrid stars such as Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Federico Valverde have also shared heartfelt messages, underscoring Modric’s influence on the team’s current generation.
“The only thing outweighing my sadness right now is the gratitude I feel for having had the honour of being your teammate,” Bellingham wrote. “Your humility, openness and the time you took for every single person in any circumstance has blown me away.”
As Modric prepares to embark on the next chapter of his career, he leaves behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the history of Real Madrid. He will be remembered as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, a true icon of the game.
First Piper 