Real Madrid closes a golden cycle and bids farewell to two of its greatest legends.

"How could I not love you!" was how the Real Madrid fans chanted at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday to Luka Modric, the player who has won the most titles with the club (26 titles, six of them in the Champions League), after manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was also honored, brought him off the pitch in the 86th minute.

His teammates and the Real Sociedad players, who played in the final LaLiga match of the season (a 2-0 victory for Real Madrid with a brace from Kylian Mbappé) , formed a corridor in the midfield for the final match at the Bernabéu for one of the best midfielders in the club's history. See more: They're millionaires!: The 10 highest-paid athletes in the world

After leaving the field, he hugged Ancelotti, but also former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, who didn't want to miss the Croatian's final moments after hanging up his boots last year.

" The moment I never wanted to come has arrived. It's been a long journey. I want to thank the club, President Florentino Pérez, all the coaches, my teammates, and everyone who has helped me throughout this time. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart ," he told the more than 80,000 people in attendance at the stadium.

" To my family, without you all this wouldn't be possible. It's hard... We've won a lot. We've had wonderful moments . But the greatest trophy I've won is your affection. Your love ," he continued.

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The Croatian midfielder has won six Champions Leagues, four Spanish Leagues, two Copa del Reys, two Copa del Reys, five Club World Cups , one Intercontinental Cup, five European Super Cups and five Spanish Super Cups.

" I have no words to thank you for everything you've given me. I want to say a phrase that I've seen and I like a lot: 'Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.' Hala Madrid and nothing more ," Modric concluded, as Pérez looked on, who also tearfully joined in the farewell. The Croatian, who couldn't hold back his tears after kissing his children when he was substituted, also moved the stands, where a banner was unfurled : " Thank you Modric, your glory is now eternal ."

Surrendered at his feet

After Real Madrid's victory, thanks to a brace from Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, the players first tossed Modric in the air, then Carlo Ancelotti , who will now travel to Brazil to take over the reins of the Canarinha national team. Ancelotti and Modric embraced in the midfield in front of the fans who were at their feet.

" It's not easy to speak today, but I'll try. It's been an honor, a pleasure to coach this team. First of all, I want to thank my dear president, Florentino Perez. It's been fantastic to coach this group of players and share all these moments with you ," the Italian coach said through tears.

" Nobody will forget the comeback against Paris Saint-Germain, Rodrygo's two goals against (Manchester) City, Modric's assist against City (actually against Chelsea) and Joselu's two goals against Bayern (Munich). Hala Madrid and nothing else ," Ancelotti concluded, barely able to utter a word.

For his part, Ancelotti won 15 titles with Real Madrid in six seasons: three Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, two Club World Cups, one Intercontinental Cup, three European Super Cups, and two Spanish Super Cups. Another of those who said goodbye this Saturday was Lucas Vázquez.

In the 75th minute, Ancelotti substituted the 33-year-old Galician, who will also be leaving Real Madrid after his contract expires, although like Modric, he will play in the Club World Cup in the United States, according to the Spanish press. He also received a standing ovation. Real Madrid is closing a cycle, one that will end with the final departure of Dani Carvajal.

AFP