Luka Modric won six Champions League titles with Real Madrid Real Madrid captain Luka Modric has revealed he will leave the Spanish giants after the end of their Fifa Club World Cup campaign this summer. The 39-year-old Croatia midfielder, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, will play his last match at Real's Bernabeu home when they welcome Real Sociedad on Saturday in their final La Liga game of the season. "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," Modric said on Instagram. He has won 28 trophies, including six Champions Leagues and four domestic titles, since joining Real from Spurs in 2012. "I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn't have imagined what came next," he said. "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." Real will open their Club World Cup campaign against Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal on 18 June and will also face Mexico's Pachuca and RB Salzburg of Austria in the group stage. Modric bagged two goals and six assists in 34 appearances in the Spanish top flight this season as Real were pipped to the title by Barcelona. He also featured in every game as Carlo Ancelotti's side reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, where they werebeaten 5-1 on aggregate by Arsenal. Modric signed a one-year contract extension last year, which expires at the end of this campaign. No player has won more trophies with Real Madrid than Luka Modric Although he has been largely limited to substitute appearances this season, Modric will leave Real as its most decorated player after 590 appearances, 43 goals and 95 assists. "Modric will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas as a unique and exemplary footballer who has always embodied the values of Real Madrid," added club president Florentino Perez in a statement. "His football has captured the imagination of Madridismo and fans all over the world. His legacy will live on forever." Modric captained Real to two trophies in his final season to take his haul to 28 titles, overtaking Nacho Fernandez as the club's most successful player. His tally includes the six Champions Leagues, six Fifa Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey triumphs and five Spanish Super Cups during his 13 seasons at Real. After leading Real to a 2018 Champions League success over Liverpool and then Croatia to the World Cup final in the same year, Modric became the first player since 2007, other than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, to win the Ballon d'Or. He is also the oldest player to represent Los Blancos in La Liga and their oldest goalscorer, having scored in a 2-1 win over Valencia at the age of 39 years and 116 days, overtaking Ferenc Puskas' mark. Modric is also currently the third longest-serving member of a Spanish top-flight side, behind Oscar de Marcos of Athletic Club and Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke. Last month, the Croatia legendbecame an "investor and co-owner"with a minority stake in Championship side Swansea City.
Modric to leave Real Madrid after Club World Cup
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Luka Modric Announces Departure from Real Madrid After Club World Cup"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Luka Modric, the esteemed captain of Real Madrid, has announced his departure from the club following the conclusion of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign this summer. At 39 years old, the Croatian midfielder and 2018 Ballon d'Or winner expressed his bittersweet feelings about leaving the club where he has spent over a decade. He made this announcement on Instagram, reflecting on his journey since joining Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012. Modric has amassed an impressive collection of 28 trophies during his time with the club, including six UEFA Champions League titles and four domestic league championships. He noted that playing for Real Madrid has significantly shaped his life both as a footballer and as a person, and he feels proud to have been part of such a successful era in the club's history.
As Real Madrid prepares for their Club World Cup campaign, which begins with a match against Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal on June 18, Modric's legacy within the team is firmly established. Despite being primarily utilized as a substitute this season, he leaves the club as its most decorated player, having made 590 appearances and contributed 43 goals and 95 assists. His remarkable achievements include becoming the oldest player to represent Real Madrid in La Liga and the club's oldest goalscorer. Club president Florentino Perez praised Modric's impact on the team and the admiration he garnered from fans worldwide. In a noteworthy transition, Modric has recently become an investor and co-owner with a minority stake in Championship side Swansea City, signaling a new chapter in his post-playing career as he bids farewell to the club that has defined his professional life for over a decade.
TruthLens AI Analysis
Luka Modric's announcement regarding his departure from Real Madrid marks a significant moment in football history, particularly for the club and its fans. As a player who has left an indelible mark on the sport, his exit can evoke a range of emotions and reactions from different stakeholders within the football community.
Intended Message and Public Perception
The article aims to highlight Modric's illustrious career at Real Madrid, acknowledging his accomplishments and the emotional weight of his departure. By focusing on his achievements, the narrative fosters a sense of nostalgia and appreciation among fans, reinforcing Modric's legacy as one of the greatest players in the club's history. This approach seeks to create a positive sentiment around his exit, framing it as a natural progression rather than a negative event.
What Might Be Hidden
While the focus is on Modric's farewell, there could be underlying narratives regarding Real Madrid's future plans, especially in terms of player recruitment and team restructuring. By concentrating on Modric's departure, the article diverts attention from potential challenges the club may face in the upcoming season, including the need for new leadership, performance expectations, and the transition of experienced players.
Manipulative Elements
The article maintains a celebratory tone, which could serve to manipulate public sentiment by glossing over any potential negative implications of Modric's departure. The language used is emotionally charged, designed to evoke pride and admiration, potentially downplaying concerns about the club's competitiveness without him.
Comparative Context
In comparison to other sports news regarding player transfers or retirements, this article emphasizes a personal story that resonates deeply with fans. It contrasts with reports that focus on transfers and financial implications, offering a more sentimental perspective that may appeal to emotional ties fans have with long-serving players.
Impact on Wider Context
The news of Modric’s departure could influence Real Madrid's fanbase, potentially affecting attendance and merchandise sales as fans react to the change. Economically, the club may need to adjust its strategies, which could resonate in the broader market, particularly for sports merchandise and related sectors.
Targeted Audience
This article predominantly appeals to Real Madrid supporters and football fans who value legacy and player loyalty. It seeks to resonate with those who appreciate the historical significance of players and their contributions to the club's identity.
Market Implications
While the immediate financial reaction to Modric's announcement may be minimal, it could impact the stock market if investors perceive Real Madrid's transition as a potential weakness. Stakeholders in related industries, such as sports merchandising and broadcasting, may also monitor the situation closely.
Global Power Dynamics
From a broader perspective, Modric's departure could symbolize a shift within European football as clubs evolve and adapt to new generations of players. This reflects changing dynamics in international football, where legacy players are gradually phased out in favor of younger talent.
Use of AI in Article Composition
There is no direct indication of AI involvement in the article's writing. However, if AI were employed, it might have influenced the tone to ensure it resonates emotionally with readers. Such models could analyze audience sentiment to craft a narrative that emphasizes both loyalty and achievement.
The overall reliability of this news piece appears strong, given its focus on factual achievements and direct quotes from Modric. However, the emotional framing suggests a desire to elicit a specific reaction from the audience, which may lead to a slightly skewed interpretation of the implications of his departure.