By Oluwamayowa Fakande
Luka Modric’s legendary journey at Real Madrid is nearing its end, with reports indicating the Croatian midfield maestro will leave the Spanish giants at the close of the season.
The 38-year-old, who joined Los Blancos from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, has spent 13 trophy-laden years in Madrid, becoming one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.
Despite his reduced role in recent seasons, there had been speculation that incoming head coach Xabi Alonso wanted Modric to stay.
“He respects Modric’s leadership and experience,” reports had suggested. But that appears not to have swayed the decision-makers at the Bernabeu.
According to COPE, as reported by Madrid Universal, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner will not be offered a contract renewal, bringing his time at the club to a close.
Modric, who had hoped to stay at Real Madrid for one more season to bolster his chances of featuring for Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will now have to continue his club career elsewhere.
Saturday’s clash against Real Sociedad could be his final bow in a Real Madrid shirt.
Modric has played close to 600 matches for the club, amassing a glittering trophy cabinet that includes six UEFA Champions League titles, four LaLiga crowns, and five FIFA Club World Cups, among others.
This season alone, he has made 55 appearances, scoring four goals and providing nine assists under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance, even as Real Madrid failed to defend their domestic and European titles.
An icon of his generation, Modric’s farewell will mark the close of a glorious chapter in the annals of Madrid’s football history.