Several days have passed since Modric‘s farewell at the Santiago Bernabéu, and despite the fact that he will be playing in the Club World Cup, nostalgia is already setting in. The Croatian’s departure leaves a void in midfield, where he was known for his technical skill and importance in ball circulation.
It will be difficult to fill the void he leaves behind, and his jersey number will be a challenge for any Real Madrid player who dares to inherit it. Modric was the star of the show yesterday at the presentation of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid’s new coach. Alonso played tennis, hitting balls away every time he was asked about his role in Luka’s departure from Real Madrid, although he did have a few words for the Croatian.
“I’m not very objective when it comes to Luka. We were teammates and had great chemistry. He has been the team’s conductor for years. Seeing his farewell makes you proud. I was with him recently and it will be a privilege to coach him in the Club World Cup.”
Modric’s farewell
Luka Modric started his last game at the Santiago Bernabéu wearing the Real Madrid jersey. A couple of days earlier, the player had made his departure official with an emotional letter. His last game was marked by emotion and by a crowd that had clearly chosen their outfit for the day, overwhelmingly opting for the Croatian legend’s jersey. When he was substituted, the game was stopped and the Real Sociedad players joined in a guard of honor for a player who, since his arrival, had raised the level of LaLiga.
The most emotional moment of his farewell came when Modric took the microphone and addressed the crowd. His emotional words brought tears to the eyes of even president Florentino Pérez and culminated in a meaningful phrase: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. HALA MADRID AND NOTHING ELSE.” Thus, Modric summed up more than a decade together.
The best number 10 of recent years
Luka Modric bids farewell to Real Madrid as the player with the most titles in the club’s history, with 28 to his name, in addition to the Ballon d’Or that broke the historic alternation between Cristiano and Messi. The best possible number 10, who, together with Kroos, formed the most powerful midfield in the world. He will undoubtedly be remembered as the best number 10 in the history of Real Madrid. A number worn by legends such as Laudrup, Figo, James and Puskas himself, no less.
Candidates to inherit the number 10 shirt
Since his departure from Real Madrid was announced, there has been speculation about who will inherit such a special number. Some fans have even called for him to retire, as no one will be able to fill the void left by Modric. The retirement of numbers is common in basketball, but in soccer, someone will take that number, although it remains to be decided who.
One of the candidates, due to his relationship with Modric and his seniority at the club, where he has been for six years, is Rodrygo. His seniority would give him the authority to inherit the number of a Modric who said goodbye with these words: “Dad, it’s a very sad day.” However, the situation of the player, whose future is up in the air, leaves his option on standby.
The next clear option seems to be Kylian Mbappé, as the number 10 has always been an important shirt for the Frenchman, as it is the one he wears for the national team. He would find himself in a similar situation to Cristiano, who played for a year with the number 9 until he was able to take Raúl’s number 7. The change of number for one of the most important players in the squad could also mean a significant financial boost for the club with the sale of shirts, as this season’s shirt will become obsolete.
Finally, there is the option of Arda Güler or a new signing such as Nico Paz, who seems to be closer to joining the club. The Turkish player is considered Modric’s heir in football terms, so it would make sense for him to take the number.