Official: Luka Modrić to Leave Real Madrid After Club World Cup
Real Madrid have officially confirmed that legendary Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić will depart the Spanish giants this July, following the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Modrić, who joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, became an integral part of one of the most successful eras in the club’s illustrious history. Over 13 unforgettable seasons in the famous white shirt, the Croatian maestro lifted an astonishing 28 trophies: 6 UEFA Champions League titles, 6 FIFA Club World Cups, 5 UEFA Super Cups, 4 La Liga titles, 2 Copa del Rey wins, and 5 Spanish Super Cups.
With his sixth European crown, Modrić joins an elite group of just five players in football history to have won the Champions League six times. He also becomes the most decorated player in the 123-year history of Real Madrid.
On the individual front, Modrić's 2018 season was nothing short of historic. He broke the decade-long Messi-Ronaldo duopoly to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or, was crowned FIFA Best Men’s Player, and earned the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award. He has been named six times in the FIFA FIFPro World XI and twice honoured as the UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez paid tribute to the departing icon: “Luka Modrić will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of this club. His football has captivated fans in Madrid and across the world. His legacy will live on forever.”