Luka Modric’s time with Real Madrid is over — after 597 appearances over 13 years and 28 trophies, including six Champions Leagues and four domestic titles — with a chastening 0-4 defeat to Paris St-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals. Modric, a 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, will be playing for AC Milan next season.
The Club World Cup exit marks a “bitter exit” for the club legend, particularly as the team was pipped to the Spanish LaLiga title by arch-rivals Barcelona this season.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, while talking about Modric’s exit, said: “A bitter end for him but he is a legend of football and will be remembered forever by Real Madrid.”
In his final game for Real Madrid, Modric came off the bench in the 64th minute when his side were trailing 0-3. In every single game of Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign, the midfielder has made an appearance off the bench.
The Croatian had one misplaced pass in his time on the pitch, and won all of his duels in the midfield. But there was little he could do to steer the club’s fortunes around.
“Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person,” Modric had said on Instagram when his exit was announced. “The moment has arrived. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end. I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn’t have imagined what came next. I’m proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.”
“Modric will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid,” club president Florentino Perez had said after his departure was announced in June.
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“His football has captured the imagination of Madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever.”
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