The Real Madrid board decided not to offer a new deal to Modric, choosing instead to move forward with a younger squad.
After 13-and-a-half unforgettable years with Real Madrid, Luka Modric has officially confirmed that he will leave the Spanish giants at the end of the current season. The 39-year old midfielder announced his decision on Thursday and is now preparing for his final appearances in a Madrid shirt. Modric is set to play his final match at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday as Real Madrid host Real Sociedad in their last La Liga fixture of the season.
It was earlier reported that incoming manager Xabi Alonso made a personal request to the Real Madrid hierarchy to renew Luka Modric’s contract. However, according to COPE, the Real Madrid board has decided not to offer a new deal to Modric, choosing instead to move forward with a younger squad.
Despite nearing his 40th birthday, Modric has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet. According to Croatian outlet 24sata, the legendary midfielder is determined to continue playing professionally. Modric has his sights firmly set on one final major milestone: representing Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and Modric is reportedly committed to staying in peak condition to help his national side.
To achieve that goal, Modric has already received three major offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Major League Soccer (MLS). While all three options are financially attractive, reports from Jutarnji suggest that Modric is leaning strongly towards a move to the United States.
A move to MLS would offer more than just a lucrative final contract. It would allow Modric to adjust to North American conditions and maintain a high competitive level in preparation for the World Cup. He would also be following in the footsteps of several elite peers, including Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez, who have all made the switch to Inter Miami in recent years.
Though the club has not yet been named, interest from Inter Miami or LAFC could be expected given their ambition and appeal. Wherever he lands, Modric will bring with him an unmatched legacy and an enduring reputation as one of the greatest midfielders of the modern era.
soccer
