- Luka Modric made his final home appearance for Real Madrid at The Bernabeu
- The game was stopped in the closing stages so that Modric could be clapped off
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Luka Modric bid an emotional farewell to Real Madrid after 13 years as he made his final home appearance for the club.
Real Madrid ended their LaLiga campaign with a 2-0 win against Real Sociedad at The Bernebau in which Kylian Mbappe scored a brace and also missed a penalty.
However, the main focus was on Modric, who played his 591st game for Real and his last at home.
The game was stopped in the 87th minute so that Modric could be applauded off by both teams with a guard of honour before he was replaced by youngster Chema Andres.
In addition, Modric was seen with his family after the game including his wife Vanja Bosnic and children Ivano, Ema and Sofia.
Modric told AS: ‘The time has come that I never wanted to come. It’s been a long journey. Thank you to the club, to president Florentino Perez. To all the coaches, my teammates and all the people who helped me all this time. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.
Luka Modric bid farewell to Real Madrid as he made his last home appearance for the club
The legendary midfielder was applauded off the pitch by both sets of players
Modric’s family including his wife Vanja Bosnic and children Ivano, Ema and Sofia were present
‘To my family, without them all this would not be possible. It’s difficult… We have won a lot. We have had wonderful moments. But the biggest trophy I’ve ever won is your love. Your love.
‘I have no words to thank you for everything you have given me. I want to say a phrase that I have seen and I like a lot: ‘Don’t cry because it ended, smile because it happened’. Hala Madrid and nothing else.’
Modric’s former team-mate Toni Kroos was in attendance, with the pair embracing eachother.
While at Real Modric won six Champions Leagues, four LaLiga titles, two Copa del Reys and six Club World Cups.
Modric will continue to represent Real at the Club World Cup this summer before officially departing.
The clash against Real Sociedad was Carlo Ancelotti’s final game in charge of Real before he takes over as Brazil manager.
Ancelotti said: ‘I don’t think it’s that easy to talk today. It has been an honour and a pleasure to coach this club, this team. First, I would like to thank my dear president, Florentino Perez. It has been a wonderful experience, thank you for these moments. It was wonderful to live it with you.
‘It’s an unforgettable story. No one can forget Benzema’s hat-trick against PSG, nor Rodrygo’s two goals against Manchester City, nor Modric’s assist.
Modric was thrown in the air by his team-mates after his 591st appearance for Real
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti also bid farewell ahead of taking charge of Brazil
‘No one can forget Joselu’s two goals. Nor can I forget every day I have spent here. And I will conclude with nothing but Hala Madrid. I love you all with all my heart.’
