“The Moment I Never Wanted” – Luka Modric Sends Heartfelt Message as Real Madrid Legend Confirms Departure from Club

Luka Modric, one of the most iconic figures in Real Madrid’s illustrious history, has confirmed that the 2024-25 season will be his last at the club.

The Croatian maestro, who has spent 13 unforgettable years at the Santiago Bernabéu, posted a deeply emotional farewell message to his fans on social media, signaling the end of a golden era in Madrid’s midfield. As the club gears up to say goodbye to one of the greatest players to ever wear the white jersey, Luka Modric’s departure marks the closing chapter of a remarkable career at Real Madrid.

What Happened? Luka Modric’s Farewell Announcement

On the eve of what will be his final game at the Santiago Bernabéu, Luka Modric took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with the fans who have adored him since his arrival in 2012. The 39-year-old midfielder revealed that after 13 years at the Spanish giants, the moment he had long dreaded has finally arrived: he will be leaving Real Madrid.

Modric, who has played 590 matches and scored 43 goals for the club, reflected on the journey that started with ambition and hope in 2012, but ended with an extraordinary list of titles, memories, and milestones. His statement resonated deeply with supporters, expressing both his gratitude and his sorrow as he prepared to close the book on his career at one of the most storied clubs in football.

“Dear Real Madrid fans: The time has come. The time I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end… On Saturday I’ll play my last game at the Santiago Bernabéu,” Luka Modric wrote. “I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the shirt of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn’t have imagined what came next. Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person.”

Modric’s Legacy: A Life Transformed in Madrid

Modric’s words capture the essence of his emotional connection with the club and its supporters. From day one, the Croatian playmaker was driven by a determination to prove his worth at one of the world’s most prestigious football institutions. However, even Luka Modric couldn’t have predicted the sheer scale of success he would go on to achieve. Over the past 13 years, the diminutive midfielder has played a leading role in one of the most successful eras in Real Madrid’s history.

He continued: “I’m proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history. I want to sincerely thank the club, especially president Florentino Pérez, my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has helped me throughout this time. Over these years, I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabéu… We’ve won everything, and I’ve been very happy. Very, very happy.”

Modric’s career at Madrid has been nothing short of extraordinary. He was integral to the club’s four Champions League titles in five years, including the unforgettable three-peat between 2016 and 2018. Along with his Champions League triumphs, Luka Modric has also collected four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and several other honors, establishing himself as a central figure in one of the most dominant teams in world football.

The Heartfelt Farewell: A Connection with the Fans

What truly sets Luka Modric apart, however, is the profound bond he has developed with Real Madrid’s fanbase. Luka Modric’s humility, elegance on the pitch, and dedication to the team have earned him the admiration of supporters across the globe. His ability to connect with fans transcended his performances on the field, making him one of the most beloved figures in Madrid’s storied history.

“I truly don’t know how to explain the special connection I have with you all, and how supported, respected, and loved I have felt and continue to feel,” Luka Modric wrote. “I will never forget every ovation and all the gestures of affection you have shown me. I am leaving with a full heart. Full of pride, gratitude, and indelible memories.”

Modric’s humility shines through in his farewell message. He acknowledges the incredible support he has received throughout his time at Madrid, and he’s clearly moved by the warmth and affection shown by the fans. The fact that Luka Modric holds the fans in such high regard speaks volumes about the kind of person he is, not just as a footballer but as an individual.

Even though his time on the pitch for Madrid is coming to an end, Luka Modric assured fans that his relationship with the club would remain unbroken. “Although, after the Club World Cup, I will no longer wear this shirt on the pitch, I will always be a Real Madrid fan. We will meet again. Real Madrid will always be my home. For life.”

Modric’s Impact: One of the Greatest to Ever Play for Real Madrid

Over his 13 years in Madrid, Luka Modric has secured a place as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. His achievements and contributions to the club’s success are unrivaled. Luka Modric’s ability to dictate the tempo of a match, his vision, creativity, and tactical awareness, set him apart as a player of exceptional quality. He was a driving force in Real Madrid’s dominance in European football, particularly in their historic run of four Champions League titles in five years.

One of the defining moments of his career came in 2018, when he won the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first player since 2007 (and only the second since 2004) to break the Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo stranglehold on the prestigious award. Luka Modric’s 2018 Ballon d’Or win was a recognition not just of his performances for Real Madrid, but of his extraordinary contributions to Croatia’s World Cup run, where he led his nation to the final. His ability to shine on the global stage, both for club and country, cemented his place in footballing history.

In total, Luka Modric has won 28 major trophies with Real Madrid, including an unprecedented 12 European Cups and Club World Cups, four La Liga titles, and two Copa del Reys. He is also one of only five players in football history to have won six European Cups, and he holds the record for the most titles in Real Madrid‘s history. Simply put, Luka Modric’s legacy is unmatched, and he will be remembered as one of the finest footballers to ever don the iconic white shirt.

Luka Modric Real Madrid 2025

What’s Next for Luka Modric?

While Luka Modric will play his last match at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday against Real Sociedad, there will still be one final opportunity for fans to witness the Croatian maestro in action. Luka Modric will wear the famous Real Madrid shirt once again when he participates in the 2024 Club World Cup in the United States, which kicks off on June 18.

After that, Luka Modric will bid farewell to the club where he became a legend, bringing down the curtain on an unforgettable career that has defined an era of success for Real Madrid.

Modric’s Legacy: A Madrid Legend

As the curtain falls on Luka Modric’s time at Real Madrid, the club, its supporters, and the football world as a whole will forever remember the impact of this remarkable player. His technical brilliance, leadership, and class on and off the field have set a standard for future generations to follow. Although his departure marks the end of an era for the club, it’s clear that Luka Modric will always have a special place in the hearts of Real Madrid fans.

In his farewell message, Luka Modric said it best: “Real Madrid will always be my home. For life.”