Real Madrid captain Luka Modrić is expected to leave the club as a free agent after the Club World Cup, which ends on July 18. The Croatian midfielder has spent 13 years at the club, having joined from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.
He began his career at Dinamo Zagreb's youth academy in 2002 at the age of 16, before being loaned to Zrinjski Mostar and Inter Zaprešić. He returned to Dinamo Zagreb and was promoted to the first team, where he helped them win three league titles and two Croatian Cups before being transferred to Spurs and later joining Real Madrid in 2012.
Modrić has enjoyed an illustrious spell at Real Madrid, winning 28 titles, including six European Cups, six Club World Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, and five Spanish Super Cups.
In a club statement, Real Madrid revealed that they would not be renewing the 39-year-old’s contract:
> "Real Madrid CF and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to end an unforgettable period as a player for our club at the end of the Club World Cup, which our team will play in the United States starting June 18."
The club expressed deep affection for the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner and announced plans to pay tribute to their No. 10 at his final home match at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, May 24.
Modrić has made 590 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 43 goals. He has played a vital role in the club’s success over the years and is still regarded as the most creative midfielder in the team, having been named UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season twice.
According to reports, Modrić was willing to continue at the club, even accepting a pay cut. However, the club has chosen to move forward with younger talents.
Modrić himself stated that playing for Real Madrid changed him as a person, but the time had come to move on. He added that he would always carry the affection of Real Madrid fans wherever he goes.
Teammates such as Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham shared well wishes on social media, as Modrić is expected to receive an emotional farewell on Saturday.
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