Luka Modric has reportedly made a decision regarding his future following the announcement of his exit from Real Madrid.
The 39-year-old midfielder, who was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2018, stated on Thursday that he would be departing from the Spanish club after the conclusion of the Club World Cup.
Although Modric’s contract is set to expire on June 30, he will remain with the team for the later rounds of the Club World Cup – provided Real Madrid advances to that phase – in July.
However, despite turning 40 next year, Modric has no plans to retire from professional football, it is claimed.Croatian outlet 24sata claim that the midfielder wants to play at the 2026 World Cup for his country, should they qualify – and wants to be in ‘optimal form’ for the tournament.
Jutarnji report that he has already received three ‘lucrative offers’ from clubs in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the MLS, but is leaning towards a move to States in order to prepare himself for the competition, which is being held entirely in north America.
He would be following the lead of some of his generation’s fellow elite players in making the MLS move, with Barcelona legends Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez all currently playing for Inter Miami
Spanish outlet Marca initially reported earlier this week that the Croatian would remain at the Bernabeu for an additional season at the request of impending new manager Xabi Alonso.
AdvertBut Modric, a six-time Champions League winner, has decided to depart Real after 13-and-a-half years at the club.
In a video posted to Instagram, he said: “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.
“Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person.
I’m proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.”