In his final match for Real Madrid on 9/7, the 39-year-old midfielder saw his team lose 0-4 to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final. He will join AC Milan on a free transfer this summer.
When asked about the most important title in his 13 years at Real Madrid, Modric replied, "I choose the tenth Champions League that the club won in 2014. It marked the beginning of an incredible run with six Champions League titles in 10 years. I always mention it because it was so impressive, and the way we won perfectly defined Real's identity: never give up and believe until the end".
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Modric won his first Champions League in 2014. Photo: Real |
Modric won his first Champions League in 2014. Photo: Real
Modric is one of five players with the most Champions League titles, with six, alongside Paco Gento, Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez, and Toni Kroos. He is also the most decorated player in Real Madrid's history, with 28 titles.
In 2014, Real Madrid faced Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final. Their opponents led from the 36th minute, but Modric and his teammates refused to surrender. In the 93rd minute, Sergio Ramos's header leveled the score at 1-1, sparking a dramatic comeback. In extra time, Gareth Bale, Marcelo, and Cristiano Ronaldo scored to secure a 4-1 victory for Real Madrid.
The 2014 Champions League was also Real Madrid's 10th European title, following victories in 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, and 2002. The club went on to win the title again in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024.
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Modric played his last match for Real Madrid on 9/7, losing 0-4 to PSG in the Club World Cup semi-final. Photo: Reuters |
Modric played his last match for Real Madrid on 9/7, losing 0-4 to PSG in the Club World Cup semi-final. Photo: Reuters
"Hearing those numbers, I'm truly happy and proud," Modric added. "To be the player with the most titles at the best club in history is something truly impressive. There's more, such as the incredible affection the fans have shown me. They wouldn't love you just because you play for Real Madrid".
The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner also expressed his gratitude to Florentino Perez, the president who brought him from Tottenham in 2012. He was moved to see Perez cry on the day he bid farewell to the Bernabeu, as Real Madrid played their last La Liga match of the 2024-2025 season. "Seeing those images, I realized how much he truly cares for me. I will be forever grateful for what he has done for me and my family," the former Real Madrid captain said.
Thanh Quy (according to MD)
