Luka Modric sent a touching message to Real Madrid fans after his legendary journey with the club ended with the Merengue’s participation in the 2025 Club World Cup.
The Croatian international participated in Real Madrid’s 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the World Cup semi-finals, bringing the curtain down on his career at the Bernabéu and beginning another with AC Milan in the Italian league.
Regarding the momentous occasion, Modric said, “The end of an unforgettable era full of successes. What I experienced at Real Madrid makes me very happy. I have grown as a player and a person, and I will remain grateful for this great club for the rest of my life.”
He added, “I am very happy and I am sure that with time I will become more aware of what I have achieved, as it will take some time to absorb all the emotions and everything I have accomplished here.”
Regarding his relationship with President Florentino Pérez, he said, “He was very important to me because he brought me here and always showed me special affection and treated me well. I can say he treated me differently.”
He continued, “I’ve never seen the president cry before. When I saw the pictures, I realized that this person truly loves me. I will be forever grateful to him for everything he has done for me and my family.”
Meanwhile, Modric was keen to return to Spain with the Real Madrid delegation and bid his teammates farewell for the last time, doing something that seemed somewhat controversial.
Camera cameras captured Modric giving the number 10 shirt to Arda Güler, as if to signal that the Turk was more deserving of the number after him, even though Kylian Mbappé was likely to wear it next season.
Many believed that the 39-year-old only gave his shirt to Güler as a souvenir, and that he intended nothing more.
