Real Madrid News
Emotional tributes pour in from Real Madrid legends to Luka Modric’s farewell
Luka Modric’s farewell to Real Madrid after 13 unforgettable seasons has left an emotional void not only among fans but also within the ranks of some of football’s most celebrated names.
Having worn the famous white shirt with distinction since 2012, the Croatian maestro didn’t just win trophies, he won hearts, friendships, and lasting admiration from teammates past and present.
Among the most heartfelt tributes came from Cristiano Ronaldo, who shared countless historic moments with Modric. The Portuguese icon summed up their years together with grace:
“Thank you for everything, Luka! It has been an honour to share so many moments with you at the club. Much success in whatever comes next!”
Karim Benzema, another modern Real Madrid great, called him a “number 10 player forever,” a nod to both Modric’s shirt number and his status as a footballing genius.
Toni Kroos, who formed one of the most iconic midfield trios alongside Modric and Casemiro, posted a photo with the pair, adding: “What a career, my friend!”
Isco Alarcon also joined in, lauding not only Modric’s footballing talent but his unmatched personal charm: “Having everyone love you is the hardest thing, and you have achieved it with your football and your way of being! You are a great friend!”
Alvaro Arbeloa kept it short and emotional, describing Modric as “One of us,” encapsulating his deep bond with the club and its identity.
Former captain Nacho Fernandez poured his heart out: “My Lukita… admiration and respect for an exemplary person and athlete. Your magic on the pitch is the same magic you transmit to all of us who admire you. Your name is on the Real Madrid crest.”
Perhaps the most stirring message came from Marcelo, one of Modric’s closest companions throughout Real Madrid’s golden era. The Brazilian left-back didn’t hold back his emotions:
“My dear Luka… Today is one of those days when my heart aches. We shared dreams, triumphs, defeats, laughter, and silences. You were much more than a teammate: you were and always will be a LEGEND.
“It’s hard to imagine the locker room without you. In 13 years, you have made history at the best club in the world. I love you, brother. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just a see you later.”
Other voices added to the chorus. Joselu called Modric an “unsurpassed person and footballer” and wished him well for the next stage.
Mesut Ozil praised his intelligence and elegance on the ball: “You’re closing a great chapter, but how you played will always be remembered.”
As Modric prepares for his final appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu, the curtain is closing on an era that may never be replicated. But if football is about more than goals and assists, if it is about art, loyalty, and respect, then Luka Modric has achieved it all.
Real Madrid prospect Alexis Ciria will have to wait for his Champions League opportunity despite making a strong impression on Jose Mourinho during pre-season.
The Castilla winger has been left out of Real Madrid’s European squad, but the decision is the consequence of UEFA registration rules rather than a sporting judgment.
According to journalist Arancha Rodriguez (h/t Defensa Central), Ciria was not eligible for Madrid’s List B because he has not been with the club long enough to satisfy UEFA’s requirements.
Registering him would therefore have required Mourinho to include him on the more restrictive List A.
UEFA rules work against Ciria
List B provides clubs with additional flexibility to register young academy players, but being young enough is not sufficient on its own.
Players must also meet requirements concerning how long they have been eligible to represent the club.
Ciria does not meet those conditions because of his limited time at Valdebebas. Real Madrid would therefore have needed to sacrifice a List A position to register him.
With those places required for members of Mourinho’s senior squad, Ciria was ultimately left out.
Real Madrid’s List B instead includes youngsters such as Joan Martinez, Mario Rivas, Thiago Pitarch, Jorge Cestero and Daniel Yanez.
Many of these youngsters made a name for themselves under Mourinho during pre-season and could be used to make up the numbers in the Champions League squad.
They could also get some minutes off the bench, especially against relatively easier opposition, as Jose Mourinho looks to manage first-team minutes.
Mourinho still plans first-team opportunity
Importantly for Ciria, missing the Champions League squad does not appear to reflect a change in Mourinho’s opinion of him.
The youngster impressed during pre-season and is expected to continue spending time around the senior team.
Mourinho intends to give Ciria his official first-team debut during the season. That opportunity will now have to arrive in La Liga or the Copa del Rey.
The Portuguese tactician placed a lot of emphasis on trusting Castilla players during pre-season in the absence of first-team stars.
Ciria was one of the many names who made a name for themselves at Real Madrid during pre-season. He deserves a chance in the first team, and it remains to be seen how Jose plans his development.
