What 'Papa' Perez said as Real Madrid captain Luka Modric to leave after Club World Cup campaign with Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid captain Luka Modric will leave the club after the Club World Cup in the United States, the La Liga club said in an official announcement. A club legend, 39-year-old Modric spent 13 illustrious seasons at the Spanish capital winnings 28 titles --  the most for a player in Real Madrid's 123-year history.

 

To date, Modric has made 590 appearances for the Los Blancos club, scoring 43 goals. Real Madrid will pay tribute to the Croat at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday after the final league game of the season.

 

 

"Real Madrid wishes to express its immense gratitude and appreciation for a player who has become a true legend both of our club and world football... Real Madrid wishes Luka Modric and his family all the best in this new chapter of his life," an official club release said. 

 

There were rumours about Modric's time at the club coming to a close ahead of his former teammate Xabi Alonso's arrival as the new manager. Alonso had reportedly hinted that Modric is unlikely to be part of his project as his style demands the speed and agility of youth.

 

Modric arrived at Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 and formed an incredible midfield trio alongside Toni Kroos and Casemiro. A key player of one of the most successful periods in Real's history, he won 6 European Cups, 6 Club World Cups, 5 European Super Cups, 4 La Liga titles, 2 Copas del Rey and 5 Spanish Super Cups.

 

Luka Modric also broke the duopoly that Lionel Messi and fellow Madridista Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed over the Ballon d'Or in 2018. The same year, he also became the FIFA The Best Men's Player and UEFA Men's Player of the Year. He has also won a Golden Ball and Silver Ball at the Club World Cup.

 

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said that, “Luka Modrić will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas as a unique an exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid. His football has captured the imagination of 'Madridismo' and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever."

 

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