Luka Modrić’s goodbye speech in full: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”

He spoke after ending 13 years at the club

591 appearances after his Real Madrid debut 13 years ago, Luka Modrić gave a goodbye speech to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu following his final appearance in a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad.

“The moment I never wanted to come has arrived,” he began.

“It has been a long but wonderful journey. First, I wanted to thank the club, the president Florentino Pérez. I wanted to thank all the coaches I have had during all these years, my teammates who accompanied me on this journey and all the people who helped me during all this time. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.

“My family too, without them all this would not be possible.

“It is difficult, but good. In the end we have won a lot, we have had wonderful moments, we have won many trophies but the biggest trophy is your affection, your love, that you have given me all these years. There are no words, really, to thank you for everything you have given me over the years.

“At the end I want to say a phrase that I have seen and that I like a lot: don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Hala Madrid y nada más!”

Ancelotti on Modrić

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, coach Carlo Ancelotti reflected on the midfielder by saying, “tomorrow I say goodbye to Modrić… who has been an example for everyone”.

“For a coach, to have someone like him… because there are many players with a lot of quality, but he has been able to make quality compatible with soul. And that’s made him a Real Madrid legend.

“This is very important. When you are able to combine the two, you are a legend. And when you can’t, you are a normal player.”