It is official. Luka Modric is leaving Real Madrid at the end of this season. It comes as a shock to most people, and it will be something that not many expected to happen, especially because of how influential the player still was at the age of 39, almost 40.
Modric has been nearing an exit for the last season, though. It has been talked about in reports by reliable journalists that it is not confirmed whether the player will continue beyond this season.
Real Madrid will not see their number 10 beyond this season, and according to some reports, there is a clear reason why.
Real Madrid did not offer Luka Modric a renewal, per report
Real Madrid, according to COPE, were not going to offer him a renewal beyond this season. This was only Florentino Perez and Real Madrid's decision. It had nothing to do with what new manager Xabi Alonso would have wanted to see.
Modric has always wanted to stay at Real Madrid, but this time, it was not in his hands.
Real Madrid have given out numerous one-year contract extensions to most of their veteran players, but this time, they decided not to for their greatest midfielder in history.
Real Madrid could have done a lot with Modric still at the club next season. It was not supposed to be a case of whether he is fit enough or good enough to continue beyond the season or not, because I felt that he was. He still provides something that Real Madrid do not have, and that alone should mean a lot for the club who have yet to replace their last midfielding legend.
Real Madrid will obviously not have as much of an issue replacing Modric in his old age, but there will still be a huge gap that not many would be able to fill.
This would be a huge chance for Arda Guler to come in and solidify his spot as a deep-lying playmaker that Real Madrid will miss out on, but I guess we will have to wait and see.