‘Bitter end’ for Real Madrid magician Luka Modric after Club World Cup s-final loss
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Real Madrid's Luka Modric after the Club World Cup semi-final loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
PHOTO: AFP
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BARCELONA – The curtain finally fell on Real Madrid midfield maestro Luka Modric’s superlative career at the club after a drubbing by Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey, but in years to come that will be forgotten.
The 39-year-old made his last appearance for the club as a substitute in the 4-0 Club World Cup semi-final defeat on July 9, but leaves a host of indelible memories from his time with the Spanish giants.
The Croat confirmed in May that he would leave Real after the tournament in the United States, and he is set to join AC Milan in Serie A next season.
Modric turns 40 in September but still hopes to play for Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, and regular football is what he needs, after his minutes shrank last season under previous Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has since left to helm the Brazilian national team.
The veteran midfielder won a club-record 28 trophies over 13 years in the Spanish capital, in which he impressed fans of all teams across Spain with his consistent brilliance.
“It’s not the desired finish, it’s a bitter end, but he will not be remembered for this game, but instead for other great ones,” said new Real coach Xabi Alonso after the heavy loss to the French side.
“He is a legend both of world football and Real Madrid, he will be remembered for many more good things than the 25 minutes he played today.”
Modric has been a key part of Real’s success since arriving in 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur, winning six Champions League trophies and four La Liga titles, among other silverware.
He won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, becoming the first player not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to do so in over a decade.
Although he took the captain’s armband at the start of last season, his impact was greatly reduced.
Ancelotti tried to move Real to a more powerful, energetic approach in midfield, with Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and others getting priority.
But despite Modric’s fading presence, “his legacy will live on forever”, said Real chief Florentino Perez, after he announced his impending departure.
Modric is Real’s oldest goalscorer and top-flight player, but his best days came before his final season, in which they finished without a major trophy.
The midfielder racked up 597 appearances, scoring 43 times and providing 95 assists.
One of those assists was for one of Real’s most important goals of all-time – Sergio Ramos’ header against Atletico Madrid in the 2014 Champions League final, as they ended their long wait for La Decima – their 10th European Cup.
Modric swung in a corner in the 93rd minute, with Atletico leading by a goal, for Ramos to power home and force extra time, in which Real secured a 4-1 triumph.
The midfielder also provided a jaw-dropping assist with the outside of his boot for Rodrygo in the 2022 Champions League quarter-final clash with Chelsea, sending the game to extra time.
Real eventually fought off the Blues and went on to lift the trophy yet again.
“Modric is a gift to football,” said Ancelotti.
Midway through his first campaign at the club, Modric was voted the worst signing of the season in La Liga.
But he now departs the Spanish top flight as one of the greatest players ever to grace it, tireless in his work rate and impeccable with the ball. AFP
