Modrić: "I will always be a madridista"
"An unforgettable, glorious and victorious era has come to an end; I will be grateful for the rest of my life," said the club legend after coming to the end of an unforgettable period as a Real Madrid player.
Luka Modrić has ended an unforgettable period as a player at our club. The most successful player in the history of Real Madrid, with 28 titles, said an emotional farewell to his fans after thirteen seasons defending our badge. The Real Madrid legend spoke to Realmadrid TV: "It's difficult to say, but there are mixed emotions. An unforgettable, glorious and victorious period has come to an end. What I've experienced makes me even happier. Remembering everything I've achieved here is something to be very happy about, even though it's coming to an end. At Real Madrid, I have grown as a player and as a person. Real Madrid has given me everything in football and for that I will be grateful for the rest of my life. I will always be a madridista."
"It has been a long journey, but an unforgettable one. I have grown a lot as a player and as a person. I have another home away from home, because Madrid and Spain are like my second home. I'm very happy and I'm sure that with time I'll be even more aware of what I've achieved, because I'm going to need some time to add up all the emotions and everything I've achieved here."
His legendary stats
"Listening to my stats makes me happy and proud of what I've achieved here. To be the player who has won the most titles at the greatest club in the history of football is something impressive. But it's not just that. There are other things too, like the affection of the people. I always remember that because it's something that nobody can take away from you. You can't fool people and they're not going to love you just because you play for Real Madrid, but the affection they've given me has been impressive. Better than I ever could have hoped for."
Florentino Pérez
"The president has been very important to me, firstly because he brought me here. From that moment on, he has always shown me special affection, and he's always treated me very well. Now I can say it: he has treated me differently, he had a very special affection for me. And I think he showed it in my last match, because I had never seen the president cry before. When I saw the pictures, that's when you realise that this person really loves you. I will be eternally grateful for everything he has done for me and my family."
A moment in his career as a madridista
"It's difficult to choose a moment among the numerous precious moments I've experienced here, but I always highlight and want to remember La Décima, because that's where we can say that it all began. The domination of the last 12 or 13 years began, which has been incredible, winning six Champions League titles in 10 years. I always mention La Décima because it was impressive, and the way we won it defines perfectly what Real Madrid is all about: never giving up and believing until the end. We have done that and in that game we proved it. I will also remember the celebration in Cibeles. It was a very beautiful and unforgettable moment for all madridistas, because the number 10 is special. For me, it's also a special number. When I remember that celebration, I always smile."
How would you like to be remembered?
"I have never thought about how I would like to be remembered. However people want to remember me. As a good person, first of all. And as a player who has always given my all, who has respected everyone, opponents, team-mates, and fans; as a player who has always given everything for Real Madrid."