Luka Modrić has announced he's leaving Real Madrid and won't be back next season. Fittingly, he brought a skip to Real Madrid fans' heartbeats one last time.
The day that Real Madrid fans never wanted to happen has happened... Luka Modrić is leaving the club, with his last game to be played this weekend. His heavy, heartfelt words will have hit home like a truck.
Luka Modrić is an all-time Real Madrid great. Without a shadow of a doubt, his position in the hall of fame is solidified. This is why his farewell, which was always inevitable at some point, is plucking at the Madridista's heart strings.
Tearful Luka Modrić farewell hits Real Madrid fans like a punch
Posting to Instagram, Luka Modrić released a statement saying (translated to English): "The moment I never wanted to arrive, but that's football — and in life, everything has a beginning and an end… This Saturday, I’ll play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu,"
Modrić continued: "I arrived in 2012 full of excitement to wear the shirt of the best club in the world and with the ambition to achieve great things, but I never could have imagined what came next. Playing for Real Madrid changed my life — both as a footballer and as a person. I’m proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras in the history of the greatest club ever."
"I want to sincerely thank the club, especially President Florentino Pérez, my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has supported me throughout this time. Over the years, I’ve lived incredible moments — comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabéu… We’ve won everything, and I’ve been happy. Truly, truly happy,"
"But beyond the titles and victories, what I carry in my heart is the love from all the Madridistas. I honestly don’t know how to explain the special connection I have with you — and how supported, respected, and loved I’ve felt and still feel. I’ll never forget each ovation and every gesture of affection you've shown me,"
"I leave with a full heart. Full of pride, gratitude, and unforgettable memories. And although, after the Club World Cup, I’ll no longer wear this shirt on the pitch, I’ll always be a Madridista. We’ll meet again. Real Madrid will always be my home. For life."
Fittingly, Modrić concluded: "Hala Madrid y Nada Más." That one, we don't need to translate.
Seriously, who's cutting onions? For such a technically gifted player, Luka Modrić also has a way with words.
Throughout his statement, Modric touched on several key topics which will ring true to Real Madrid fans. Firstly, Modrić mentions the surprise that he felt while announcing his step away from Real Madrid. Certainly, this surprise was felt by fans, too.
Then, Modrić went on to address both the pride he felt in a Real Madrid jersey and the gratitude he has towards those who gave him the opportunity. From humble beginnings, Modrić leaves behind a legacy which says to every young Real Madrid fan: you can do it, you can achieve anything you put your mind to.
Luka Modrić will be wholeheartedly missed by the entire Real Madrid community. However, as he mentioned towards the end of his heartfelt statement, he will always be a Madridista. Modrić, thank you for daring to wear this heavy shirt and wearing it better than most could ever imagine.