Luka Modric will play his final La Liga match for Real Madrid on Saturday afternoon, with the midfielder announcing that he will be leaving the capital giants when his contract expires this summer.
The Croatia international has been an incredible servant for Los Blancos, representing the club for 13 seasons, winning a club-record 28 trophies, including six Champions League titles during an incredible career in Spain.
The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner has again been an important player for Real Madrid this season, making 55 appearances, scoring four goals and registering nine assists in the process, including two goals and six assists in 34 La Liga matches.
Saturday's La Liga clash with Real Sociedad will be his final appearance for the capital giants at Bernabeu, but in a huge boost, Modric will represent the team at the Club World Cup.
"Real Madrid C.F. and our captain Luka Modric have agreed to end an unforgettable period as a player for our club at the end of the Club World Cup, which our team will play starting June 18 in the United States," Madrid said in a statement on Thursday.
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Modric's departure from Real Madrid is confirmed
"Real Madrid would like to express its gratitude and deep affection for the man who is already one of the greatest legends of our club and of world football.
"Real Madrid wishes Luka Modric and his family all the best in this new stage of his life. The Santiago Bernabeu will pay tribute to him this Saturday on the occasion of our team's final La Liga match."
Meanwhile, Modric posted on social media: "Dear Madridistas, the time has come. The moment I never wanted to come, but that's football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end.
"On Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabeu. I arrived in 2012 with the desire to wear the shirt of the best team in the world and with the ambition to do big things, but I couldn't imagine what came next.
"Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a football player and as a person. I am proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.
"Leaving with a full heart. Filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I'm no longer going to wear this shirt on the field, I'll always be a Madrid fan."
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Perez: 'Modric is a unique and exemplary footballer'
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has also paid tribute to the Croatia international in a statement.
"Luka Modric will remain forever in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans as a unique and exemplary footballer, who has always represented the values of Real Madrid," said Perez. "His football captivated Real Madrid fans and fans around the world. His legacy will live on forever."
Modric, who has made 590 appearances for his current team, can still help Real Madrid win another trophy before he officially leaves, though, with the capital giants preparing to compete in the Club World Cup, which begins in the middle of next month.
Real Madrid will take on Al-Hilal in their group opener on June 18, before also tackling Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg.
The final of the competition will be held on July 13, and Los Blancos will naturally be among the favourites to win the trophy alongside the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Matt Law
