Real Madrid bids farewell to Modric, the player with the most titles in its history.

It will be a question (almost) of space. Although Real Madrid has not officially confirmed it, it seems that their intention is, this Saturday against Real Sociedad, to bring out onto the pitch all the titles (15) with which Carlo Ancelotti bids farewell. If he wants to do the same with Luka Modric , for whom there was an official farewell on Thursday afternoon, perhaps the Bernabéu pitch will be too small, since we are talking about the player with the most titles in the history of Real Madrid (28). And that is saying a lot.

Through an Instagram post (by the player) and a statement (by the club), both parties made public yesterday what was already suspected. Despite Modric wanting to stay for another season and close out his career with that final year and playing in the World Cup in Mexico, the US, and Canada, Real Madrid has said no. "Real Madrid CF 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 in the United States starting June 18," read the first paragraph of the club's statement. Modric will thus extend his contract, which expired on June 30, for the necessary number of days depending on how far the team achieves in the new tournament.

An unforgettable player is leaving. Those 28 titles, wrapped up in six Champions League titles, four La Liga titles, six Club World Cups, five Spanish Super Cups, five European Super Cups, and two Copa del Reys, epitomize a marvelous career that began, as far as Madrid is concerned, in the summer of 2012, when Florentino Pérez had to roll up his sleeves to pluck him from Tottenham for 42 million, but not before negotiating for many days, many hours, with Daniel Levy , the president, one of the "ogres" of European football when it comes to handling this type of transaction.

Over these 13 seasons, one of the most successful eras in Madrid's history, the Croatian has been a keystone of the project until last season, when his light, a product of age more than anything else, began to fade. He gradually lost prominence under Ancelotti, something that has continued this season despite the stats showing 55 matches played in all competitions, almost half of them as a starter. Adding to his collective honours is the Ballon d'Or he won in 2018, making him the only player in the past decade to break the tyranny of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo .

"But beyond the titles and victories, I carry the affection of all Real Madrid fans in my heart. I truly don't know how to explain the special connection I have with you and how supported, respected, and loved I have felt and still feel. I will never forget every ovation and all the gestures of affection you have shown me. I'm leaving with a full heart," the Croatian expressed yesterday on social media. He initially intends to extend his sporting career for another year to reach the World Cup. The question is where.

The president had kind words for him. "He 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. His football has captivated Real Madrid fans and all fans around the world. His legacy will live on forever."