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Al-Wadi: Agencies
Veteran Croatian playmaker Luka Modrić announced on Thursday that he will leave Spanish club Real Madrid after the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled for June and July.
Modrić wrote in an Instagram post: “This Saturday, I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu,” as Real Madrid faces Real Sociedad in the final round (Matchday 38) of La Liga.
Modrić has worn the Real Madrid colors since 2012 when he joined from English side Tottenham Hotspur. Over the years, he became one of the club’s greatest players, having won every possible title with them.
With Real Madrid, Modrić won La Liga four times and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy six times—a record he shares with his current teammate Dani Carvajal, former teammates Toni Kroos and Nacho, and the club legend Paco Gento from the 1950s and 60s.
In his farewell message, Modrić added: “I leave with a full heart, filled with pride, gratitude, and unforgettable memories. Even though I will no longer wear this jersey on the field after the Club World Cup, I will always remain a Real Madrid fan.”
Since joining from Tottenham, the Croatian has played nearly 600 matches for Los Blancos.
Modrić initially faced challenges when he arrived at Real Madrid in a transfer worth around €35 million ($40 million), but he quickly adapted to his new team and rose to become one of the world’s best midfielders.
He was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2018 in recognition of his outstanding performances for both club and country, having led Croatia to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final in Russia.
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