Real Madrid captain Luka Modric has announced he will leave the Spanish giants after the conclusion of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup this summer, ending a remarkable 13-year spell at the club.

The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder revealed his departure on Thursday through an emotional Instagram post, stating: "The moment has arrived. The moment I never wanted to come, but that's football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end."

According to renowned football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Modric's decision came after the club informed him they wanted to usher in a "new era" with younger players. Despite the midfielder's desire to continue at Madrid, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner reportedly respected the club's decision to move forward.

Modric will play his final match at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday when Real Madrid face Real Sociedad in their last La Liga fixture of the season, bringing an end to one of the most decorated careers in the club's history.

Since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, the midfield maestro has accumulated an impressive haul of 28 trophies, including six UEFA Champions League titles and four domestic league championships, cementing his legacy as one of Real Madrid's greatest ever players.

The club has already officially announced the upcoming farewell match, recognizing Modric's extraordinary contribution to their success over the past decade. Reports suggest that speculation has already begun regarding which player might inherit Modric's prestigious number 10 shirt at the Spanish capital club.

While Modric's next destination remains unknown, his departure marks the end of an era for Real Madrid as they look to rebuild with younger talent for future campaigns.