With Luka Modric's contract set to expire next June with Real Madrid, Ivan Rakitic has expressed his desire for his former teammate from the Croatian national team to continue his journey in the Spanish capital.

On January 3, Luka Modric once again left his mark on Real Madrid's history. Starting in the midfield for Los Blancos against Valencia in a rescheduled LaLiga match, the Croatian international played his 561st game wearing the white jersey, entering the top 10 players with the most appearances in the club’s history. And as if that record wasn’t enough, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner became, just days later at 39 years and 116 days old, the oldest goalscorer in Real Madrid's history, netting during the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey against the modest Club Deportiva Minera.

Despite often being used as a "luxury substitute," Luka Modric continues to push boundaries with his remarkable vision, outstanding technique, and football intelligence. However, his future at Real Madrid remains uncertain, with his contract set to expire in a few months. In this context, Modric has received the support of a former national teammate and Croatian legend: Ivan Rakitic. In an extensive and passionate interview with Marca, the former Barcelona player expressed his wish for Modric to extend his successful career at Real Madrid, even addressing the club’s president, Florentino Pérez, directly.

"I’m giving you a headline, and I hope Florentino Pérez listens carefully: Renew him now!" declared the current Hajduk Split player, who then elaborated on his stance.

"Luka is vital for football"

“Not only for the good of Real Madrid, but for everyone who loves football. Luka is one of those rare players that everyone admires: Croatians, Spaniards, Germans, fans of Sevilla, Athletic... Luka is essential for Madrid, for LaLiga, for the Champions League...,” added Rakitic, who also shared his hope of seeing his compatriot play in the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Shifting gears, Rakitic also reflected on the legacy of Luka Modric and his global impact: “It’s no surprise that people applaud him. That’s the beauty of this sport. I hope we can continue to enjoy him. Even if he doesn’t play, Luka remains vital for football, and knowing him, he’ll never stop giving his all in every training session.”

Without a doubt, these statements will bring a smile to the face of Real Madrid's iconic number ten.