Milan, 22 May (LaPresse) – "Dear Madridistas. The time has come. The moment I never wanted to come, but this is football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end… On Saturday, I will play my last game at the Santiago Bernabéu.‘ With these words in a long message on social media, Luka Modric announced his departure from Real Madrid at the end of the season. ’I arrived in 2012 with the dream of wearing the shirt of the best team in the world and with the ambition to achieve great things, but I could not have imagined what happened next. Playing for Real Madrid has changed my life as a footballer and as a person. I feel proud to have been part of one of the most successful periods in the history of the best club ever,‘ added the 40-year-old Croatian midfielder. ’I want to thank the club, especially President Florentino Pérez, my teammates, the coaches and all the people who have helped me throughout this time. In these years, I have experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabeu… We won everything and I was very happy. Very, very happy,‘ he recalled. ’But beyond the titles and victories, I carry the affection of all Madridistas in my heart. I leave with a full heart. Full of pride, gratitude and indelible memories. And even though I won't be wearing this shirt on the pitch after the Club World Cup, I will always be a Madridista," concluded Modric, who won a Ballon d'Or and a total of 28 trophies in the Blanca shirt, more than anyone else in the club's 123-year history. Among them are six European Cups, alongside Carvajal, Kroos, Nacho and Gento.