Luka Modric has played his final game for Real Madrid, bringing an end to a trophy-laden 12-year spell with the Spanish giants.
Luka Modric, 39, featured in Wednesday’s Club World Cup semi-final, where Real Madrid suffered a 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Despite the heavy defeat, tributes poured in for the Croatian veteran, who is set to join AC Milan after completing his last appearance for Los Blancos.
Modric, who joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, leaves as the club’s most decorated player, having made 597 appearances and won 28 major trophies, including six UEFA Champions League titles.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who once played alongside Modric in midfield, praised the former Ballon d’Or winner, emphasising that his legacy remains intact despite the disappointing result.
“This is not the desired end, it’s a bitter end, but he won’t be remembered for today’s game but for other great ones,” Alonso told reporters.
“He’s a legend of world football and of Real Madrid. He’ll be remembered for many more good things than for the 25 minutes he played today.”
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also acknowledged Modric’s impact, describing him as an irreplaceable figure in the dressing room.
“Modric always gets a standing ovation, not only from the Madridistas,” Courtois said. “He’s a great player, a great teammate, and we’ll miss him.”
Naija News recalls that Modric won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, becoming the first player in over a decade to break the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo winning streak. His departure marks the end of an era at Real Madrid, where he served as a key figure during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
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