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Cristiano Ronaldo has shared a heartfelt message for Luka Modric, after the Croatian midfielder confirmed he will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.
Modric’s decision marks the end of a 13-year spell at the Spanish club. The 39-year-old has worn the white shirt since 2012, becoming one of the most respected players in the club’s history.
While many expected him to slow down, Modric kept playing at a high level.
And now, after more than a decade of trophies, magic nights, and midfield masterclasses, he's calling time on his Madrid career.
It’s a goodbye that hit hard — not just for fans, but also for former teammates.
One of them is Cristiano Ronaldo.
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What Cristiano Ronaldo said on Luka Modric's Real Madrid announcement?
The Portuguese star took to social media to reply to Modric’s emotional post. Ronaldo wrote:
“Thanks for everything, Luka. It was an honor to share so many moments with you at the club. Wishing you all the best in what’s to come!”
Ronaldo and Modric played together at Madrid between 2012 and 2018. In those six years, they built a trophy cabinet that would make even the biggest clubs jealous.
From four Champions League titles to domestic success, the pair helped Real Madrid dominate Europe. They were the engine and the engine-starter — Modric pulling strings, Ronaldo finishing them.
Modric’s farewell message was full of love for the fans and the club. He thanked teammates, coaches, and the president, saying:
“I am proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history… I will always be a Madrid fan. Real Madrid will always be my home.”
Now, as Modric looks to the future, fans wonder what’s next. Could there be a surprise reunion with Ronaldo? A final dance in a new league? Only time will tell.
Vishal Bhawani is a sub-editor for the Affiliate Content team and a writer and sub-editor for the Football Wires team at The Sporting News. Based in Indore, India, he holds a Diploma in Operations and Management from Maharashtra University.
Before joining TSN in May 2024, Vishal contributed to Football Express and Six Sports and ran his own blog, Anfield Home, as a passionate Liverpool fan. An avid traveler, he follows multiple sports, including cricket, soccer, and tennis.