Modric's farewell to Real: 'Don't cry because it's over'

Lời chia tay Real của Modric: 'Đừng khóc vì mọi thứ kết thúc' - Ảnh 1. — Modric shed tears on the day he said goodbye to Real Madrid fans - Photo: REUTERS

Real Madrid hosted Real Sociedad in round 38 of La Liga, in a match that no longer had much significance in terms of titles. However, there was still a performance that many fans were waiting for, which was a tribute to the legend Luka Modric.

Previously, the Croatian star confirmed that he would leave the team this summer. In his final match for Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, Modric was chosen as a starter by coach Carlo Ancelotti.

He played until the 87th minute before being substituted. At this time, Real Madrid players lined up in two rows to say goodbye to the player who was nearly 40 years old this year. And waiting for him on the sidelines was a surprise character, that was Toni Kroos.

Lời chia tay Real của Modric: 'Đừng khóc vì mọi thứ kết thúc' - Ảnh 2. — Longtime and well-matched teammate Toni Kroos waited for Modric on the sidelines to say his gratitude - Photo: REUTERS

The two have been together for many years, a harmonious midfield duo that has contributed to many titles for Real Madrid. This image moved many people because just last year, Toni Kroos also said goodbye to the club to retire.

After Toni Kroos, it was the turn of his wife and children to wait for Modric on the track. He received a lot of applause from the crowd of fans in the stands.

Modric moved to Real Madrid from Tottenham in the summer of 2012. In his first season, he was considered a "disaster" contract with poor performances. However, at that time, coach Jose Mourinho spoke up to defend this player and called on fans to give him more time.

And true to Mourinho's prophecies, Modric not only improved but also became a legend. In 13 years playing for the Spanish royal team, he played 591 matches, scored 43 goals, and had 95 assists. This period also witnessed Modric win 28 titles, including 6 Champions League titles and 4 La Liga titles.

In 2018, he helped Real Madrid win the Champions League and then led Croatia to the World Cup final, winning the Ballon d'Or and ending the Ronaldo and Messi era of winning the award.

On the day he left Real Madrid, Modric shared his feelings with the fans: "That day finally had to come even though I didn't want it. It was really a long journey. I would like to thank the club, president Florentino Perez, the coaches, and my teammates.

And also thank my family because without them it wouldn't be like this. I like to use a saying that I always like: Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

This is just Modric's farewell to the Bernabeu. After La Liga ends, he will still accompany Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup in June and then officially end his contract.