Real Madrid's legendary midfielder Luka Modrić has announced his departure from the club this summer, following the Club World Cup, as confirmed by both the club and the player on Thursday.

At 39 years old, Modrić has been a star for Real Madrid over 13 seasons, amassing a club-record 28 trophies.

The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner has taken on a reduced role in recent seasons but remains vital, featuring in 34 LaLiga games this season, with 16 starts.

"Real Madrid C.F. and our captain Luka Modrić have agreed to end an unforgettable period as a player for our club at the end of the Club World Cup, which our team will play starting June 18 in the United States," Madrid said in a statement on Thursday. "Real Madrid would like to express its gratitude and deep affection for the man who is already one of the greatest legends of our club and of world football.

"Real Madrid wishes Luka Modrić and his family all the best in this new stage of his life. The Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to him this Saturday on the occasion of our team's final LaLiga match."

"Dear Madridistas, the time has come. The moment I never wanted to come, but that's football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end," Modrić said in a post on social media.

"On Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu. I arrived in 2012 with the desire to wear the shirt of the best team in the world and with the ambition to do big things, but I couldn't imagine what came next.

"Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a football player and as a person. I am proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.

"Leaving with a full heart. Filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I'm no longer going to wear this shirt on the field, I'll always be a Madrid fan."

Modrić is among only five players to have won six European Cups, contributing to Real Madrid's Champions League triumphs in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024.

In an era led by stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, he secured the 2018 Ballon d'Or after guiding Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final.