Luka Modric has confirmed that he has made a decision over his future at Real Madrid, but is waiting for the right moment to make a public announcement.
Speculation over the 38-year-old's future at the Santiago Bernabeu is rife, as he is due to see his current contract expire on June 30.
Modric has earned legendary status during his 12-year stay at Los Blancos, contributing with 39 goals and 86 assists in 533 appearances as well as winning a total of 25 trophies - the joint-most of any player in the club's history.
The Croatian midfielder could become Real Madrid's most decorated player if Los Blancos beat Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on Saturday in what could prove to be Modric's final appearance for the club.
Modric has been reduced to only 23 starts across his 45 appearances for Real Madrid in all tournaments this season, with Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Toni Kroos all preferred ahead of him on several occasions in 2023-24.
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Modric wants assurances over regular first-team football
Amid reported interest from former club Dinamo Zagreb and teams in Saudi Arabia, Modric has confirmed that he has now made his mind up over his future, but it remains to be seen when he will make a public announcement.
Speaking in an interview with Spanish news outlet Partidaz de Cope, Modric said: "The decision on my future is made, but I can't tell you yet.
"I have always said I want to retire at Real Madrid, this is what I really want. This would be a dream, this is my home, the club of my life. I want a farewell like Toni Kroos.
Modric added: "You have been playing as a starter all your life and as a very important player, but you have to face other situations and fight, because I am never going to give up.
"I had to fight and fight more when they needed me and I think I have done quite well.'
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Modric 'wants a farewell like Toni Kroos'
Modric could decide to follow in the footsteps of teammate Toni Kroos and play his final Real Madrid match in Saturday's Champions League final before retiring from football after this summer's Euro 2024 tournament.
Kroos was given an emotional send-off in his final game at the Bernabeu last weekend when Real Madrid drew 0-0 with Real Betis in their last La Liga fixture of the season.
Modric, who began as a substitute in that match, has been included in Croatia's preliminary Euro 2024 squad for what is set to be his final major tournament.
The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner is not the only Real Madrid player with uncertainty over his future, as 34-year-old captain Nacho Fernandez and 32-year-old Lucas Vazquez are also out of contract at the end of next month.
Oliver Thomas
