Real Madrid club captain Luka Modric has bid farewell to the Los Blancos faithful.
The 39-year-old will leave the club this summer after 13 trophy-filled years in the Spanish capital including four La Liga titles and six UEFA Champions League crowns.
The veteran Croatia international had looked set for another 12-month contract renewal, to play beyond his 40th birthday in September, but the club opted against it.
Incoming new Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso reportedly wanted to retain Modric for another year, but the club are looking for a host of fresh starts, as Carlo Ancelotti also moves on to take charge of the Brazil national team.
Modric remains focused on his goal of leading Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer and that will dictate his next move at club level.
His new destination should become clear from June onwards with reports from Diario AS, indicating a preference for an MLS switch, if a suitable offer arrives.
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Luka Modric’s Real Madrid exit date, MLS transfer option
Modric delivered an emotional message on his final appearance at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu as two goals from Kylian Mbappe saw Ancelotti sign off with a 2-0 La Liga home win over Real Sociedad on May 24.
That will be his last competitive appearance at the Bernabeu as a Los Blancos player but his club career is not finished just yet.
His contract was due to expire in June, but a specific clause allows it now run into July, to match up with Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign.
The veteran playmaker will captain the club in the USA and a push to the knockout stages could see it stretch to mid-July.
As per the above report, MLS clubs will utilise the Club World Cup to tempt Modric over a switch to the USA, which he prefers over a move to the Saudi Pro League.
A one-year deal in the US would keep his World Cup dream alive, and add incredible experience to an MLS team, similar to Lionel Messi and the ex-Barcelona contingent at Inter Miami.
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