Luka Modrić has officially brought his illustrious Real Madrid career to a close following the club’s 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final.

Although the result hardly reflected the grandeur of his tenure, the Croatian maestro departs with a legacy few in world football can rival.

A Farewell Marking the End of an Era
The 39-year-old midfielder, who joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, sat down for one final emotional interview with the club’s official media, offering a heartfelt reflection on a journey that shaped not only his professional life but also a golden chapter in Real Madrid’s history.

“An unforgettable, glorious and winning stage has ended,” Modrić began, reminiscing on his 12-year spell at the Bernabéu.
“What I have experienced gives me immense joy. Remembering everything I’ve achieved here makes me very happy—even if it’s now over.”

Modrić spoke candidly about his personal development during his time at the club.

“At Real Madrid, I have grown both as a player and as a person. The club has given me everything in football terms, and I will be eternally grateful. I will always be a Madridista.”

Real Madrid’s Most Decorated Player
Modrić departs as the most decorated player in the club’s history, having won 28 trophies, including six UEFA Champions League titles—a remarkable feat that embodies the club’s dominance over the past decade.

“It’s been a long journey, but an unforgettable one,” he said.
“I’ve grown so much as both a footballer and a man. Madrid and Spain have become like a second home to me.
I’m incredibly happy, and I know that with time, I’ll fully comprehend everything I’ve achieved here. The emotions are overwhelming.”

Reflecting on his record-breaking haul of titles, he added:

“Hearing those numbers fills me with happiness and pride.
Being the player with the most titles at the greatest football club in history is incredible.”

Yet for Modrić, it wasn’t just about the silverware.

“There are other things that matter, like the affection of the fans.
That’s something no one can take from you.
You can’t fool people—they won’t love you simply because you wear the Real Madrid shirt. The affection they’ve shown me has been unbelievable.
I never imagined it would be like this.”

A Unique Bond with Florentino Pérez
Modrić also expressed deep gratitude to club president Florentino Pérez, revealing a personal bond that transcended the professional.

“He’s been extremely important to me—first of all because he brought me here. From the beginning, he’s always shown me a special kind of affection.”

That relationship was visibly evident during Modrić’s final La Liga match at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Pérez was seen moved to tears.

“Now I can say it: he treated me differently. He had a very special affection for me.
And I think he showed it during my last game—because I had never seen the president cry.
When I saw the footage, I realised just how much he truly cared.
I’ll always be grateful for everything he’s done for me and for my family.”

A Legacy of Excellence, Humility and Loyalty
As Luka Modrić says goodbye to the club he helped define for over a decade, he leaves behind a legacy built on excellence, humility, and unwavering loyalty.

“The dominance of the last 12 or 13 years has been incredible—we won six Champions League titles in ten years.
I always highlight ‘La Décima’ because it was extraordinary, and the way we won it defines exactly what Real Madrid is all about: never giving up and believing until the very end.”

Modrić’s departure marks the end of an era, but his impact on Real Madrid will endure—etched in the hearts of fans and in the pages of football history.