Midfielder Luka Modrić recently revealed his ideal retirement plan. The 39-year-old Croatian national team captain said he hopes to continue playing for Real Madrid and is preparing to discuss a new contract with the club. Despite his advancing age, Modrić is still in excellent shape and is eager to achieve more on the football field.
Modrić is still having a great season
According to statistics from the newspaper AS, Modrić has played the most games of any Real Madrid player this season. Only nine Real Madrid players have played 40 or more games this season. He has played more than 50 games for the team so far, more than the second-placed player, Valverde (50 games). Mbappé is in third place with 46 appearances, while Rüdiger and Rodrigo are joint fourth with 45 appearances.
Although Modrić has played the most games, his total playing time is not the highest in the team. Statistically, he is the 11th most frequently used player by head coach Carlo Ancelotti this season. If you add his playing time with the Croatian national team, Modrić’s total playing time ranks ninth in Real Madrid.
Even so, Modrić’s performance is still amazing. This season, he has not only helped Real Madrid steadily advance in various competitions, but also made history by becoming the oldest Real Madrid player to score a goal in the club’s history. Such an achievement fully proves his value and form.
Modrić’s career goal: to continue playing until the 2026 World Cup
Despite being 39 years old, Modrić has no intention of slowing down. He has a clear plan for his career and hopes to continue playing for his club and national team. One of his main goals is to lead Croatia to the 2026 World Cup. To achieve this, he needs to be in peak physical and technical condition.
In an interview with French television station Telefoot, Modrić made it clear: “At the moment, I’m not thinking about retiring. I’ve always made it clear that my dream is to end my career at Real Madrid. There are still many games to be played this season, and I will focus on the tasks ahead. As for the future, we will see.”
As can be seen from his statements, Modrić is full of affection for Real Madrid and hopes to leave his professional peak here. Despite the many speculations about his future, his attitude is very firm – he is willing to play for Real Madrid for another year, even if it means accepting a further pay cut.
Contract renewal negotiations are about to begin, and Modrić’s priority is to stay
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Modrić’s agent will soon begin negotiations with Real Madrid over a contract extension. Both sides want to reach an agreement, as Modrić’s priority is to stay at Real Madrid. In fact, he is expected to reject offers from the professional leagues in Saudi Arabia and some clubs in Major League Soccer (MLS), which offer lucrative salaries.
For Modrić, the sporting challenge is far more important than financial gain. He wants to stay in Europe in order to prepare better for the 2026 World Cup. He believes that only by playing at a high level can he maintain his competitive edge, and leaving Europe could weaken his competitiveness.
“I want to focus on football itself, not money or other factors,” Modrić added. ”The most important thing for me is to continue to contribute to Real Madrid and the Croatian national team.”
Modrić’s leadership and influence
In addition to his contribution at the club, Modrić’s role in the national team is also not to be ignored. In the upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg, he will once again captain the Croatian team. In the first leg, Croatia led France 2-0, and Modrić’s performance was crucial. Not only did he show excellent ball control and passing vision in the game, but he also inspired his teammates at key moments, showing his leadership.
As the soul of the Croatian national team, Modrić is not only the technical core of the team, but also its spiritual pillar. Under his leadership, the Croatian team has achieved many brilliant results in recent years, including reaching the final of the 2018 World Cup and finishing as runner-up. Now, he is striving to lead the team even further and strive for greater breakthroughs in international competitions.
Why did Modrić choose to stay at Real Madrid?
Modrić’s loyalty to Real Madrid stems from his deep affection for the club. Since joining in 2012, he has been an indispensable member of the team. During this time, he has helped Real Madrid win several major championships, including the Champions League trophy many times. In addition, his outstanding performance earned him the 2018 Ballon d’Or, breaking Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s decade-long monopoly on the award.
For Modrić, Real Madrid is not just a football team, it is also a home. He has repeatedly expressed his love and gratitude for the club in public. “Real Madrid has given me everything. I grew up here and fulfilled my dreams,” he said. “I hope to repay the club’s support with my actions.”
Looking to the future: Modrić’s legend continues
Whether or not he eventually renews his contract with Real Madrid, Modrić has already written a legend of his own. As a veteran, he has interpreted what true professionalism is with his persistence and hard work. His performance has not only won the respect of fans, but also set an example for young players.
If Modrić is able to fulfill his wish and end his career at the Bernabeu, it will be another milestone in his personal honor roll. And for Real Madrid, retaining such a meritorious player will also be a tribute to the club’s history.
“My goal is simple, to continue to give my all until the very last moment,” Modrić concluded. ”No matter the outcome, I will have no regrets, because I have always stayed true to my original intentions.”
Conclusion
The story of Luka Modrić shows that age is never a limiting factor for success. His professionalism, technical ability and leadership have made him one of the greatest players in world football today. Whatever the future holds, Modrić’s name will forever be etched in the history of Real Madrid and Croatian football.
