'My home forever' - Luka Modric says heartfelt farewell to Real Madrid after playing last game for Los Blancos at Club World Cup

Real Madrid CF v Real Sociedad - La Liga EA Sports

Real Madrid legend bid Luka Modric goodbye to the club ahead of his reported move to AC Milan, posting an emotional message on social media.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Modric, after etching his legacy eternally at Madrid, posted a heartfelt farewell message to the club he spent 13 years at, stating that Los Blancos will be his "home forever". The Croatian is set to complete a move to AC Milan ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Real Madrid UEFA Champions League Trophy Parade

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Modric joined Madrid in 2012 from Spurs and was voted in a poll by Marca as the worst signing of the season. However, his wizardry from midfield and countless iconic moments, such as his screamer at Old Trafford against Manchester United in his debut season, his assist for Sergio Ramos' immortal '92:48' goal against Atletico Madrid in the 2014 UCL final, as well as his clutch performances en route to Madrid's 14th Champions League win in 2022, helped him attain legendary status at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he leaves as the most decorated player in the history of the club with 28 titles.

WHAT LUKA MODRIC SAID

Taking to Instagram, Modric posted a series of photos, right from his first day when he was presented as a Real Madrid player, to the six glorious campaigns that resulted in Champions League triumph. He wrote: "My home for 13 years. My home forever. This isn't goodbye, it's see you later."

DID YOU KNOW?

Modric is both the oldest goal scorer in Madrid history, as well as the oldest player to ever make an appearance for the team. He is also the non-Spanish player with the second-most appearances for the club with 597, behind France's Karim Benzema, who played 648 games for the Merengues. Overall, Modric leaves as the player with the ninth-most appearances for Madrid.

GFX Luka Modric Milan HD

WHAT NEXT FOR MODRIC?

Modric, who turns 40 in September, will continue to play at the highest level, with a move to Milan all but confirmed. Per reports, he has accepted a huge pay cut to join the Rossoneri, and is expected to fill a leadership role as they aim to return among Europe's elite.