Real Madrid's Club World Cup campaign took a disastrous turn in the semifinals against Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning Champions League victors, leaving veteran midfielder Luka Modric a visibly distraught figure on the bench. The match, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, saw Madrid concede three goals in the first half, a situation that appeared to deeply affect the Croatian international.
Cameras focused on Modric, seated beside teammate Lucas Vazquez, as PSG quickly established a 2-0 lead within the first ten minutes. The midfielder was seen with his head in his hands, a clear indication of his disappointment and frustration. The predominantly Real Madrid crowd, with a small contingent of PSG supporters present, watched in stunned silence as their team struggled.
In the 65th minute, Modric entered the game to a resounding ovation from the Madrid faithful. Despite the warm welcome, he was unable to significantly alter the course of the match. PSG ultimately secured a 4-0 victory, sending shockwaves through the Real Madrid camp.
This Club World Cup appearance marks the end of Modric's illustrious 13-year career with Real Madrid. The 39-year-old is set to join AC Milan, a move he hopes will demonstrate his continued ability to compete at the highest level.
Modric's Move to Milan
While AC Milan has not formally announced the signing, manager Max Allegri addressed the rumors during a pre-season press conference. "Modric will arrive in August," Allegri stated, praising the player as "an extraordinary player."
Reports indicate that Modric will sign a one-year contract with the Italian club, with an option for a second year. His base salary is expected to be €3.5 million ($4 million), with potential bonuses included.
A Fond Farewell from Alonso
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, a former teammate of Modric, expressed his admiration for the midfielder ahead of the Club World Cup. "I'm not very objective with Luka," Alonso admitted. "We were teammates, and we enjoyed great chemistry on the pitch."
Alonso highlighted Modric's influence on the team, describing him as "the conductor of this team and a true legend." He added, "Seeing his farewell the other day makes you proud to be part of the club and all that Luka has done. I was with him just a moment ago, and I'm going to enjoy it. It'll be a privilege to be with him at the Club World Cup."
A Legendary Madrid Career
Despite the disappointing end to his Club World Cup campaign, Modric leaves Real Madrid with an impressive legacy. His tenure includes:
- 596 appearances
- Four La Liga championships
- Six Champions League titles
- The 2018 Ballon d'Or
Modric's contributions to Real Madrid have solidified his place as one of the club's all-time greats. His vision, passing ability, and tireless work ethic have earned him the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. While his time in Madrid is coming to an end, his impact on the club will be felt for years to come. The jeers directed at PSG's time-wasting tactics and Vinicius Jr's excessive dribbling during the second half underscored the fans' frustration and desire to see their team compete at their best, even in a losing effort. Despite the loss, the Real Madrid supporters showed their appreciation for Modric, a testament to his enduring popularity and the indelible mark he has left on the club. His final appearance in the tournament, however brief, was a moment of recognition for a player who has consistently delivered exceptional performances throughout his career.
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