Luka Modric will leave Real Madrid this summer (Getty)

The 39-year-old, who joined from Tottenham in a £30 million deal in 2012, is just about to complete his 13th season with Madrid and has played an integral role in the club’s success over that period.

During his time in the Spanish capital, Modric has helped Madrid win 28 trophies, including four La Liga titles and the Champions League on six occasions.

The Croatia international has also won the highest individual award during his time at Madrid as he was named the Ballon d’Or winner in 2018.

Modric confirmed on Thursday that he will leave Madrid after their Club World Cup campaign this summer, while Saturday’s final La Liga game at home to Real Sociedad will mark his farewell in front of supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Luka Modric won the Ballon d’Or in 2018 (AFP via Getty)

Luka Modric wanted Real Madrid stay…

Modric was keen to see out his club career at Real Madrid but the Spanish side opted not to renew his deal, even after he offered to reduce his salary and accept a more reduced role in the team.

‘I think he wanted to stay,’ Nikola Jerkan, who is part of the coaching set-up with Croatia’s national team, told Radio Marca.

‘He had even spoken with Xabi Alonso about continuing. But something changed with the directors in the last few days.

‘He’s going to play in the next few matches with Croatia and his goal is to be at the World Cup. Madrid was his everything but his career in football isn’t over yet.’

Luka Modric has won six Champions League trophies with Real Madrid (Getty)

Luka Modric announces his Real Madrid departure…

In a heartfelt post on Thursday, Modric confirmed that his time at Madrid will come to an end this summer.

‘Dear Real Madrid fans: The time has come. The time I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end… On Saturday I’ll play my last game at the Santiago Bernabeu. I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the shirt of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn’t have imagined what came next,’ Modric wrote.

‘Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person. I’m proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.

‘I want to sincerely thank the club, especially president Florentino Pérez, my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has helped me throughout this time. over these years, I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabéu… We’ve won everything, and I’ve been very happy. Very, very happy. But beyond the titles and victories, I carry the affection of all Real Madrid fans in my heart.

‘I truly don’t know how to explain the special connection I have with you all, and how supported, respected, and loved I have felt and continue to feel. I will never forget every ovation and all the gestures of affection you have shown me.

‘I am leaving with a full heart. Full of pride, gratitude, and indelible memories. And although, after the Club World Cup, I will no longer wear this shirt on the pitch, I will always be a Real Madrid fan. We will meet again. Real Madrid will always be my home. For life. Hala Madrid and Nothing Else. Luka Modric.’

Luka Modric could link up with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami (Getty)

Luka Modric’s next club…

Modric is not calling time on his career just yet and it is understood that the midfielder is planning to retire after Croatia’s 2026 World Cup campaign next year.

According to Croatian daily Jutarnji, Modric already has three ‘lucrative’ offers from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, Qatar and Major League Soccer.

However, Croatia’s 24sata reports that Modric wants to arrive at next summer’s World Cup ‘in optimal form’ and is leaning more towards a switch to the MLS.

In 2023, Inter Miami’s co-owner David Beckham was spotted with Modric on the Croatian island of Sipan, sparking speculation that the former Tottenham midfielder would be the latest marquee name to make the move to the United States.

Modric ended up remaining at Madrid but Inter Miami, who are managed by Javier Mascherano and have Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in their squad, have retained their interest and could now make a new attempt to sign the 39-year-old in the coming months.

Modric began his professional career at Dinamo Zagreb and supporters in Croatia are keen to see their national team captain return to their homeland. However, 24sata report that Modric has no intention of returning to Dinamo.

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