Real Madrid captain Luka Modric has announced that he will leave the club following their campaign in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2018, shared his decision on Instagram, reflecting on his remarkable journey with the club since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.

Modric expressed a mix of gratitude and sadness, stating, "The moment has arrived. The moment I never wanted to come, but that's football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end." He leaves behind a legacy that includes an impressive 28 trophies, with six Champions League titles and four domestic championships among his accolades.

As Modric prepares for his final La Liga match at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Sociedad, he looks back fondly on his time at Madrid, stating, "Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person." His contributions have been pivotal in shaping one of the most successful eras for the club, and he is proud to have been part of its storied history.

Real Madrid is set to begin their Club World Cup journey against Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal on June 18, followed by matches against Mexico's Pachuca and Austria's RB Salzburg in the group stage. This season, Modric contributed two goals and six assists across all competitions, even as Real fell short of retaining their La Liga title to Barcelona and were eliminated by Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Modric's departure signals the end of an era for both the player and the club, with club president Florentino Perez honoring him as a unique and exemplary figure in Real Madrid's history. "His legacy will live on forever," Perez stated, emphasizing the profound impact Modric has had on the club and its fans.

As he transitions from on-field duties, Modric's future remains a topic of interest, particularly after recently becoming an investor and co-owner of Championship side Swansea City. This next chapter will mark a significant change for the Croatian legend, whose remarkable career at Real Madrid has set a high standard for future generations.