The illustrious Real Madrid career of Luka Modric ended with a painful 4-0 that by Paris St Germain in the semi-final of the Club World Cup, but the inheritance of the Croatian Maestro extends much further than a single game, said manager Xabi Alonso.
Modric, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner and the most decorated player of the Spanish club, is ready to join AC Milan after having played his last game for Real at the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey on Wednesday.
Since his arrival from Tottenham in 2012, the 39-year-old 597 games have played and won 28 trophies with Real, including six Champions League titles.
“This is not the desired end, it is a bitter end, but he will not be remembered for today's competition, but for other great ones,” said Alonso, who shared the field with Modric as teammates during his match days at Real, reporters on Wednesday.
“He is a legend of world football and from Real Madrid. He will be remembered for many more good things than for the 25 minutes he played today.”
Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said Modric will leave a void.
“Modric always gets a standing ovation, not just from the Madridistas. He is a great player, a great teammate and we will miss him,” said the Belgian.
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