Luka Modric to leave Real Madrid after Club World Cup

Luka Modric, the Croatian midfielder and 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, announced on Thursday that he will depart Real Madrid following the Club World Cup, concluding a highly successful era with the club.

Having joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Modric has featured in nearly 600 matches and secured almost 30 trophies, including a record six Champions League titles and four LaLiga championships.

His final game at the Santiago Bernabeu will be Real Madrid's last LaLiga match of the season against Real Sociedad on Saturday, and the 39-year-old plans to conclude his time with the club after their Club World Cup campaign, which starts next month.

"The time has come, a moment I never wanted, but that's how football works—everything has a start and an end. On Saturday, I'll play my last match at the Santiago Bernabeu," Modric shared on Instagram.

"Playing for Real Madrid transformed my life as a footballer and a person. I'm proud to have contributed to one of the most successful periods in the history of the greatest club in the world.

"Though I won't wear this jersey on the pitch after the Club World Cup, I will always remain a Madridista."

Acquired for approximately 35 million euros ($39.50 million), the Croatian playmaker quickly became a key figure in the Real Madrid lineup, leading them to their 10th Champions League title in his second season.

Under coach Zinedine Zidane, Modric was central to the team that achieved three consecutive Champions League victories from 2015-16 to 2017-18.

BALLON D'OR WINNER

Following his standout performance at the 2018 World Cup, where he guided Croatia to their first final, Modric claimed the Ballon d'Or, ending the decade-long dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He also received the Best FIFA Men's Player award and the UEFA Men's Player of the Year in 2018.

"I joined in 2012 with the dream of playing for the world's best team and the ambition to achieve greatness, but I never imagined what would follow," he added.

"Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and a person. Over these years, I've experienced incredible moments, remarkable comebacks, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabeu. We've won it all, and I've been incredibly happy."

Modric's contract expires on June 30, but he will participate in the Club World Cup, scheduled from June 14 to July 13, with Real Madrid confirming his involvement in FIFA's new 32-team tournament in the United States.

"Real Madrid extends its deepest gratitude and affection to one of the club's greatest legends and a icon in world football," the club stated.

"Since joining in 2012, Modric has been pivotal in one of the club's most glorious eras, winning 28 titles over 13 seasons. He is one of only five players in football history to win six European Cups and holds the record for the most titles in Real Madrid's 123-year history."

The club will honor Modric with a tribute during his final LaLiga game on Saturday.

"We'll meet again," Modric said. "Real Madrid will always be my home, for the rest of my life."