A man in a black jacket points forward, next to a player in a white jersey with the Real Madrid crest and a red X superimposed. — Xabi and Modric with shield and cross | Didac Aguirre

Camara — Xabi and Modric with shield and cross | Didac Aguirre

Xabi Alonso made a promise to Modric and kept it, but Real Madrid was inflexible.

The unbelievable and important promise between Luka Modric and Xabi Alonso that Real Madrid decided to ignore

23/05/2025 18:25:00h

Didac Aguirre

Announcing his farewell from Real Madrid, Luka Modric will put an end to a historic era. Playing 13 seasons with Real Madrid, Modric desired to continue for at least one more season. A desire that was supported by the promise Xabi Alonso made to him, with the coach looking to manage Modric during the next season.

Expressing this desire to Real Madrid, the club's response to Xabi was a resounding and clear "No." "He wanted to stay, he had even spoken with Xabi Alonso about his continuity," were Nikola Jerkan's words about this situation. According to the member of the Croatian national team's coaching staff, Modric sought to keep himself in the club.

A player in a white uniform with a captain's armband on a playing field.

Luka Modric seriously looking at the field | Didac Aguirre

"...Something changed with the club's management in recent days. Real Madrid was everything to him, but his soccer career is not over yet." Through these last words, Jerkan made it clear that, despite Xabi's promise, Real Madrid had other plans.

Real Madrid's decision

After having a rather irregular season, Real Madrid was clear that they needed to make changes. Looking to improve their squad, Real Madrid focused on signing several talented players. However, no one, not even Luka Modric himself, expected Real Madrid to make the decision to end the Croatian's era.

Being a Real Madrid legend, Modric's intention was to stay one more season to be able to retire at the club. Despite being 39 years old, Modric had a great performance during the campaign, keeping a level that recalled his best years.

A player with a white jersey and black details on the field.

Luka Modric with Real Madrid | Didac Aguirre

Nikola Jerkan's words show that Xabi Alonso requested Luka Modric's permanence at Real Madrid. With the clear intention of keeping his word, Xabi was also surprised by the decision of a Real Madrid that hasn't given their reasons.

Modric's early farewell

Being able to perform at the highest level for one more season, Luka Modric can't do more to keep himself at Real Madrid. The Croatian must now focus on enjoying his last match with Real Madrid and analyzing his options to continue his illustrious career.

➡️ First Team