Luka Modric tipped to make ‘tremendous' Championship transfer after Real Madrid exit
LUKA MODRIC and Real Madrid have announced he will be leaving the club after the Club World Cup this summer.
In an emotional statement, the 39-year-old confirmed "the time has come" for him to move on from the Spanish giants.
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Modric has been with the club since 2012 and has won an incredible 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles, four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey and six Club World Cups.
But the ex-Tottenham star has been urged to make a "tremendous" transfer from Champions League to Championship by joining Swansea, who Modric became a shock co-owner of last month.
Former Madrid striker Fernando Morientes backed him to make the switch to Wales next season, telling Casino Hawks: " Luka Modric playing for Swansea would be tremendous.
"I'm sure there would be a lot of excitement among the fans. A player like Luka Modric, even if he's at the end of his career, would be welcome I'm sure and he would be excited for the project.
"Obviously, we shouldn't expect him to be 100 per cent or at his best because he's at a certain age, but even when he came on against Barcelona, the feeling of Madrid in midfield changed.
"He probably doesn't have the level of competitive rhythm that a game like that demands, but he's so intelligent, he's so good in midfield, he has so much quality that he could continue to give a few good seasons.
"I think he could have a couple of good seasons in England, without a doubt and I'm convinced the excitement he would generate among the fans would be tremendous."
Modric is said to have wanted the club to trigger a contract extension that would have seen him spend one more season at the Bernabeu, but the decision was made not to activate it.
The Croatian will now have the chance to add a seventh Club World Cup accolade before he completely calls quits on his time with Los Blancos.
The refreshed competition being held in the USA will start on June 14 while the final will be on July 13.
Modric and Co. qualified for the tournament by winning the Champions League in 2021/22 and 2023/24.
In an Instagram statement on his exit, he said: "The moment has arrived. The moment I never wanted to come, but that's football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end.
"I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey 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. I'm proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history."
The club's statement on the decision said: "Real Madrid C. F. and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to bring an end to his unforgettable time as a player at our club following the Club World Cup, which the team is preparing to play starting 18 June in the United States.
Luka Modric leaving statement in full
Luka Modric's leaving Real Madrid statement in full on Instagram:
Dear Madrid fans:
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.
Llegué en 2012 con la ilusión de vestir la camiseta del mejor equipo del mundo y con la ambición de hacer cosas grandes, pero no me podía imaginar lo que vino después.
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 thank the club from the bottom of my heart, especially the president Florentino Perez, my teammates, coaches and all the people who have helped me during all this time.
Throughout these years I've experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabéu... We won everything 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.
"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...
"Modrić is one of only five players in football history who have won 6 European Cups, and is also the player with the highest number of trophies in Real Madrid's 123-year history.
"On an individual level, Modrić won the Ballon d'Or, was named FIFA The Best Men's Player, and UEFA Men's Player of the Year in 2018. He has been included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI on six occasions, and was also named Champions League Best Midfielder twice.
"Modrić has made 590 appearances for our club, scoring 43 goals. He has also won a Golden Ball and Silver Ball at the Club World Cup."
The club statement also confirmed the Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to Modric on their final home game of the season this Saturday.
Real president Florentino Perez said: "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."
Real Madrid statement on Modric exit in full
Full Real Madrid statement on Luke Modric leaving after Club World Cup:
Real Madrid C. F. and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to bring an end to his unforgettable time as a player at our club following the Club World Cup, which the team is preparing to play starting 18 June in the United States.
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.
Modrić arrived at Real Madrid back in 2012, and has gone on to be a key component of one of the most successful periods in our club's history. Over the course of 13 seasons in our colours, he has won 28 titles: 6 European Cups, 6 Club World Cups, 5 European Super Cups, 4 LaLiga titles, 2 Copas del Rey and 5 Spanish Super Cups.
Modrić is one of only five players in football history who have won 6 European Cups, and is also the player with the highest number of trophies in Real Madrid's 123-year history.
On an individual level, Modrić won the Ballon d'Or, was named FIFA The Best Men's Player, and UEFA Men's Player of the Year in 2018. He has been included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI on six occasions, and was also named Champions League Best Midfielder twice.
Modrić has made 590 appearances for our club, scoring 43 goals. He has also won a Golden Ball and Silver Ball at the Club World Cup.
With the Croatian National Team, he has played 186 times, making him his country's record holder for international caps. He won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the Bronze Ball at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has said, '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."
Real Madrid wishes Luka Modrić and his family all the best in this new chapter of his life.
The Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to him this Saturday at our team's final league game of the season.
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