Real Madrid reportedly declined incoming manager Xabi Alonso’s request to keep Luka Modric at the club.
According to Diario AS, Alonso advised that retaining Modric would be beneficial, but the club refused.
Modric, 39, will play his final LaLiga match for Real Madrid against Real Sociedad on the season’s last day, Saturday.
He will leave Los Blancos after the FIFA Club World Cup this summer.
Modric joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 and during his tenure won 28 trophies, including six UEFA Champions Leagues and four domestic league titles.
Both former and current Real Madrid players have paid tribute to the Croatian midfielder as he prepares to depart.
Modric is also expected to represent Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
