Real Madrid bid emotional farewell to manager Carlo Ancelotti and midfielder Luka Modric

Time of India

24-05-2025

Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modric
Real Madrid bid farewell to two of its most decorated figures, coach Carlo Ancelotti and midfielder
Luka Modric
during their final La Liga match at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday. The emotional ceremony followed Madrid's 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad, with Ancelotti, 65, departing to coach Brazil after winning 15 titles, while Modric, 39, ends his 13-season tenure with 28 titles.
Kylian Mbappé secured the win with two goals, but the match was marked by emotional tributes to both departing legends.
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"It's been a pleasure to coach this club," Ancelotti said in a post-match ceremony. "It's been unforgettable."
The game paused when Modric was substituted in the closing minutes, with players from both teams forming a guard of honor as he left the field.
"The moment that I didn't want to arrive has arrived," Modric said.
"But it's been a long journey, a wonderful journey."
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The stadium crowd gave Modric a standing ovation, with fans displaying thank-you signs for both him and Ancelotti. The team captain embraced his teammates, family, and former midfielder Toni Kroos by the sideline.
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Modric's impressive career at Madrid includes 591 appearances and 43 goals. He won six European Cups, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four Spanish leagues, two Copas del Rey, and five Spanish Super Cups.
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The Croatian midfielder will make his final appearance for the club in next month's Club World Cup.
Ancelotti concludes his second stint at Madrid after four seasons, despite recent disappointments in the Spanish league and Champions League. His combined tenure spanning two periods saw him manage over 350 matches.
During his time at Madrid, Ancelotti secured three Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups, two Spanish leagues, two Copas del Rey, three UEFA Super Cups, and two Spanish Super Cups.
Mbappé's two goals in the match, scored in the 38th and 83rd minutes, extended his league-leading total to 30 goals, five ahead of
Robert Lewandowski
.
Madrid had already secured second place in La Liga, with Barcelona crowned champions. Barcelona will complete their season at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
The match also marked the farewell for Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil, who steps down after six-and-a-half years with the Basque Country club.
Referee Mario Melero López also officiated his final match.
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