Real Madrid News
Luka Modric leaves Real Madrid: This is what the players have to say
Luka Modric, one of football’s finest midfielders, has confirmed his departure from Real Madrid after the final league game of the season. His announcement, shared on social media, marked the end of an unforgettable era.
For 13 seasons, the Croatian magician ruled the Bernabéu with elegance and excellence, lifting six Champions League trophies and winning the hearts of fans around the world.
Modric’s goodbye was more than just a transfer headline, as it was an emotional blow to Real Madrid fans and a major moment in football.
His impact on and off the pitch has been immense, and the outpouring of love and respect from teammates showed just how deeply he touched those around him.
Heartfelt messages from teammates
Arda Güler called him “one of the best ever.” Brahim Díaz simply said, “Maestro, I love you forever.” Endrick thanked him with the words, “Thank you for everything, LEGEND!”
Many others, including Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Fran Garcia, and Aurelien Tchouameni, paid tribute as well.
Vinicius left a particularly touching message. He described Modric as a true role model and said, “Your football was art. Your treatment of me was a gift… I’m going to miss you. Thank you for everything, Maestro. I love you very much.”
Rodrygo also shared his feelings: “Today is a sad day for me. I learned so much from you, both on and off the pitch. Your leadership and class left a mark on me forever.”
An inspiration to all
Kylian Mbappe, who got to play with Modric this season, called him “one of the greatest players of all time,” praising both his football and character.
Lucas Vazquez spoke with warmth and gratitude, calling Modric “the history of this club and world football.”
Other emotional messages came from Dani Ceballos, Brahim Diaz, Andriy Lunin, Raul Asensio, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Eduardo Camavinga. All spoke of Modric’s kindness, humility, and influence, both as a player and as a person.
Ceballos wrote, “Goodbye, friend. You are and always will be part of this club’s history”, while Brahim wrote, “Today I struggle to find the words, because saying goodbye to a legend like you is difficult.”
Lunin’s message was, “What an impressive career, what an exemplary person.” From Asencio, “Learning from you has been a privilege.”
Rudiger mentioned, “It was a huge honour to play alongside you”, while Alaba said, “One of the greatest at what he’s done.”
Modric may be leaving Real Madrid, but his legacy will live on forever. He was not just a player, he was the heart of the team, the leader in silence, and the magic in midfield.
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
