Modric to leave Real Madrid after Club World Cup
Real Madrid confirmed that Luka Modric will leave the club after the Club World Cup.
Modric, who joined Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, will play his final game at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend against Real Sociedad.
The Croatian has made 590 appearances across all competitions for Los Blancos, ranking ninth on the club's all-time list.
He has featured in 393 LaLiga matches, contributing to 93 goals.
Modric has been a key part of Madrid's success over the years, despite a tricky start in the Spanish capital, being labelled the worst signing of the season after his debut campaign.
Since then, the 39 year-old has become a pivotal figure in Madrid's midfield, winning 28 major honours, which include four LaLiga titles and six Champions League crowns.
Indeed, he is one of only five players, alongside Toni Kroos, Nacho Fernandez, Dani Carvajal and Francisco Gento, to win six UEFA Cup/Champions League titles.
Modric 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.
His role at Madrid has been mostly from the bench in recent years. He has made 56 appearances in all competitions this season, though only 26 have been from the start.
"Luka Modric will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always represented the values of Real Madrid," Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said.
"His football has made Real Madrid fans and all the fans in the world fall in love. His legacy will live on forever."
In a statement, Modric said: "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 match at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I arrived in 2012 with the desire to wear the shirt of the best team in the world and with the ambition to do big things, but I couldn't imagine what came next.
"Playing at Real Madrid changed my life as a soccer player and as a person.
"I feel proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.
"Throughout these years, I've experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabeu... We won everything and I was very happy. Very, very happy.
"Leaving with a full heart. Filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I'm no longer going to wear this shirt on the field, I'll always be a Madrid fan."
