"Bye Madrid" Modric, 40, never stops playing soccer..."2026 North Korea-China World Cup"
"Bye Madrid" Modric, 40, never stops playing soccer..."2026 North Korea-China World Cup"
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Soccer legend midfielder Luka Modric has decided to leave Real Madrid at the end of this season.
Real Madrid announced Modric's departure on the club's official website on the 22nd (Korea time), saying, "The club has agreed with captain Luca Modric to end an unforgettable season as a player of our team after the FIFA Club World Cup."
"We already want to express our gratitude and deep affection for Modric, one of the greatest legends of our club and world football," he said, thanking Modric.
"Modric will live on in the hearts of all fans forever. He was a unique and exemplary player who always represented the values of Real Madrid," Real Madrid President Florentino Perez said. "Modric's soccer has captivated fans all over the world. His legacy will be remembered forever."
Kylian Mbappe also said, "I got to know more about greatness. I saw greatness up close. Before he was one of the best players of all time, he was a wonderful person. He wrote history for the world's best team for over a decade and won everything, but earned nothing but respect and praise from the world. Thank you for everything," he said, saying goodbye with respect.
Midfielder Modric from Croatia is considered a legend in this era of soccer. Modric, who made his name known in his country's prestigious Dinamo Zagreb, joined Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2008. After joining the club, he played in 160 matches and scored 17 goals and 25 assists in all competitions.
Despite his small physique, Modric showed off his outstanding technique and became one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. Modric, who played as a key midfielder for Tottenham, suddenly transferred to Real Madrid for 35 million euros (about 51.4 billion won) in the summer of 2012.
Modric, who joined Real Madrid, one of the best clubs in the world, took a leap forward and became a legend in club and football history.
During the 13 seasons he played for Real, he won a whopping 28 titles. He won six UEFA Champions League titles, five UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, and five Supercopa de España titles.
In 2018, he won the UEFA Player of the Year award and that year led Croatia to the runner-up at the World Cup in Russia, ending the "Menaldo era" that was divided into Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and lifting the Ballon d'Or trophy given to the best player in the world.
Modric, who was born in 1985, has performed well in the first division this season as well. He showed off his old skills by scoring four goals and nine assists in 55 games in all competitions. He also broke the record of the oldest participation in a club held by Ferenc Puskas in October last year at the age of 39 years and 36 days, and ranked ninth for the most participation in a club's history in March.
However, he could not ignore his age. It was initially believed that Modric and Real Madrid would sign a new contract, and Modric also wanted to stay even at the expense of a salary cut, but the club reportedly decided not to renew the contract.
Notably, Xavi Alonso, who will take over as the new manager from next season after Carlo Ancelotti, also wanted Modric to stay, but the club refused to accept his request. Spanish media outlet Cadenaser said, "Modric wanted to stay at Real Madrid. He even called Alonso to ask if he was fit for his project. Alonso also wanted to test if Modric could play for another year. That was what Alonso wanted most."
Instead, Real Madrid agreed to split with Modric in mid-July when the Club World Cup ends beyond June 30, which is usually the expiration date of the contract.
"Over the past few years, I have experienced unbelievable moments, seemingly impossible reversals, finals, celebrations, magical nights at the Santiago Bernabeu. We won everything, and we were very happy," he said. "But beyond the title and victory, I have the affection of all Real Madrid fans in my heart. I don't know how to explain the special relationship I have made with you. I felt so much support, respect, and love, and I still feel it. 카지노 I will never forget all the cheers and acts of kindness that have sent me."
"I leave with a full heart. I leave with a lot of pride, gratitude, and unforgettable memories. I will not wear this uniform anymore when the Club World Cup is over, but I will always be a Real Madrid fan," he said. "We will meet again. Madrid will always be my hometown. For the rest of my life. Hala Madrid!" he said.