Luka Modric
Source: Africa Publicity
Croatian Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder, Luka Modric, has confirmed he will be leaving Real Madrid at the end of the 2024/2025 season.
He made the announcement in a heart-touching statement on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
Addressing his “dear Madridistas”, Modric who turns 40 this coming September, announced that “On Saturday, I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabèu.”
Modric – the most decorated player in Real Madrid’s history having won 28 titles with the Spanish giants – recounted that “I arrived in 2012 with the desire to wear the shirt of the best team in the world and with the ambition to do big things, but I couldn’t imagine what came next.”
According to Modric, “Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a football player and as a person.”
Below is Modric’s full statement:
LUKA MODRIĆ OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
“Dear Madridistas,
The time has come. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end…
On Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu.
I arrived in 2012 with the desire to wear the shirt of the best team in the world and with the ambition to do big things, but I couldn’t imagine what came next.
Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a football player and as a person.
I am proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.
I want to give thanks from my heart to the club, especially president Florentino Pérez, my teammates, managers and everyone who helped me.
Throughout these years l’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabéu… We won it all and I was very happy. Very very happy.
But beyond the titles and victories, I carry in my heart the affection of all Madrid fans. I really don’t know how to explain the special connection I have with you and how supported, respected and loved I have felt and feel. I will never forget each ovation and all the gestures of affection you have shown me.
Leaving with a full heart. Filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I’m no longer going to wear this shirt on the field, I’ll always be a Madrid fan.
We’ll see each other again. Real Madrid will always be my home For a lifetime.
Hala Madrid and Nothing Else
Luka Modric.”