Santiago Bernabeu bids FAREWELL to Luka Modric

Luka Modric played his final match at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu earlier today, as Real Madrid emerged 2-0 victors. The Croat midfielder played 87 precious minutes for one last time under the Bernabeu roof.

Ahead of the game, the player received loud cheers from the crowd, who continued everytime he was on the ball. The fans also prepared a pre-match tifo, which read: “Thank you, Legend”.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti decided to sub the player off in the 87th minute, and he also received a standing ovation. Both Real Madrid and Real sociedad players showed class act, as both teams gave Luka a guard of honor.

Come full time, Modric was presented with the total of 28 titles he won with the club since 2012. He and his family were all down there on the field offering their final goodbyes to the fans.

Modric’s last words at the Bernabeu

At full time, Modric was handed a mic to share a few words with the crowd who were all in tears seeing one of their Greatest Legends leave the club. To begin, he said:

 “The moment I didn’t want has arrived. I won a lot of things, but the greatest thing I ever won was your love.

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.

It’s very difficult. In the end this is where I cried the least… but when I was coming to the stadium, in the dressing room… it was tough for me.”

After spending a total of 13 years and over 400 games under his belt, Modric was asked to handpick his most memorable game with the Royal white jersey:

“One game to remember? Difficult but I’d say [the game] vs PSG. That was incredible. I said that we would have won the Champions League if we had won that tie. That’s exactly what happened.”

Although Modric has played his final game at the Bernabeu, there is still a last dance for the Croatian. He’s expected to make the squad for the Club World Cup. On the importance of the tournament, Modric said:

“One last dance at the Club World Cup. We will give everything to bring the trophy here and celebrate with our people. Ending my Real Madrid career with that title would be amazing.”

A proper legend of the club, Modric will always be remembered by the Real Madrid fans and football at large.