Legend and history of Real Madrid. That’s Luka Modric, who will play his last game at the Santiago Bernabéu this Saturday in the final match of LaLiga against Real Sociedad at 4:15 p.m. The player wanted to renew for one more season, but Real Madrid’s plans to carry out a generational change did not include renewing the Croatian’s contract. Therefore, the farewell of the most successful coach in history, Carlo Ancelotti, will coincide with that of Modric, who has 28 titles under his belt as a Merengue.
Modric’s farewell
For months there has been speculation about whether Luka Modric would continue beyond the Club World Cup, but it all came to an end on Thursday when the player posted an emotional farewell letter on social media:
The speculation ended yesterday when Modric posted an emotional letter on social media announcing his departure:
Dear Madridistas:
The time has come. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end… On Saturday, I will play my last game at the Santiago Bernabéu. I arrived in 2012 with the dream of wearing the shirt of the best team in the world and with the ambition to achieve great things, but I could never have imagined what came next.
Playing for Real Madrid has changed my life as a footballer and as a person. I am proud to have been part of one of the most successful periods in the history of the best club in the world. I want to thank the club from the bottom of my heart, especially the president, Florentino Pérez, my teammates, the coaches and all the people who have helped me throughout this time.
Over the years, I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabéu… We’ve won everything, and I’ve been very happy. Very, very happy. But beyond the titles and victories, I carry the love of all Madridistas in my heart.
I really don’t know how to explain the special connection I have with you and how supported, respected, and loved I have felt and still feel. I will never forget every ovation and every gesture of affection you have shown me. I leave with a full heart. Full of pride, gratitude, and unforgettable memories.
And although, after the Club World Cup, I will no longer wear this shirt on the pitch, I will always be a Madridista. Real Madrid will always be my home. For life.
Hala Madrid and nothing else.
Real Madrid is already looking for a replacement
Real Madrid has been scouring the market for months in search of a creative midfielder, and Luka Modric’s departure only makes things more urgent. Since Toni Kroos left, the midfield has been orphaned and lacking a compass to direct play and give the club greater control of the game. Xabi Alonso has reportedly requested the arrival of a creative midfielder due to the problems he has detected in what will now be his team.
Among the names that have been mentioned most often are Martín Zubimendi and Florian Wirtz, although the latter is a different type of player. Names such as Angelo Stiller and Tijiani Reijnders have also been on the agenda, but in all cases the price and competition have made the deals difficult.
Two main candidates
In the last few hours, following Modric’s announcement, speculation has increased and Cadena SER has pointed to two players who could perfectly fill the Croatian’s number 10 role. They are pointing to a double Argentine option with Enzo Fernández and Exequiel Palacios. The former has been linked with Real Madrid in recent hours, but the truth is that he still has several crucial meetings with Chelsea before deciding on his future. As for the latter, Xabi Alonso has put him on the table and he is also being pursued by Manchester City.