Modric and Ancelotti bid tearful goodbye to Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modric saw their glittering Real Madrid careers end with a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in LaLiga.
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" were the words of departing Madrid midfielder Modric after playing his final league game for the club.
Modric, who joined Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, will leave the club after the conclusion of next month's FIFA Club World Cup.
The Croatian has become an integral part of Los Blancos' success over the years, playing 591 games across all competitions, scoring 43 goals and providing 95 assists.
Modric leaves as Madrid's most successful player in terms of trophies, having won 28 major honours, which includes a record six UEFA Champions League crowns.
He also became the first since Kaka back in 2007 for a player other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or in 2018 during his time at the club.
Modric ended his glittering career with a 2-0 victory over La Real in his final match in the Spanish top-flight.
The 39-year-old received a standing ovation from those inside Santiago Bernabeu when he was replaced by Chema Andres three minutes from time.
"The moment I never wanted to come has arrived, but it has been a long but wonderful journey," Modric said in an emotional speech after the full-time whistle.
"First I wanted to thank the club, the president Florentino Perez. I wanted to thank all the coaches during all these years, the teammates who accompanied me and the people who helped me.
"Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. To my family as well. We have won a lot, we have had wonderful moments.
"It is your love that you have given me during all these years. There are no words to thank you for everything you have given me over the years.
"I want to say a phrase that I saw and I liked: 'Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened'."
While Madrid fans could still see Modric add to his trophy collection, Ancelotti took his final bow to end his second spell in charge of the club.
Ancelotti will sign off as the club's most successful manager, lifting 15 major titles during his time in the Spanish capital, but this season garnered him none.
He guided Los Blancos to three UEFA Champions League titles, two FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, two LaLiga titles, two Spanish Cups, two Spanish Super Cups and one Intercontinental Cup.
"I'm very happy, proud, it has been an extraordinary period. We can't forget anything that has happened and I'm leaving with this, with the affection of the people, the pride of having coached a great club for a long time," Ancelotti said.
"Real Madrid is a home, a family. It has been like that for the past six years. We've had a great time because of the titles, the atmosphere.
"It has been a good connection between the club, me and the players. I have had extraordinary players and Madrid will continue to have extraordinary players. It is the day with the highest emotion."
The 65-year-old, who will become Brazil's national coach, is expected to be replaced by Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso before the FIFA Club World Cup.
"It's normal to cry, I leave here very satisfied," Ancelotti added.
"It has been an honour, a pleasure to be part of this family and to write and enter the history of this club. It was the objective from the first day. And I have achieved it."
