Luka Modric is all energy. At 39, the Croatian midfielder continues to show that he is capable of continuing to be important among the elite, though with limited minutes. Against Celta, when Real Madrid were at their worst, he appeared with a true star assist for Vinícius Junior to score the second of the night in Vigo.
Luka Modric had a great game, giving balance to the midfield and moving the ball with hierarchy to calm the game down in the final moments. This didn't go unnoticed by anyone, much less by Florentino, who at the end of the match went to the Madrid dressing room with a request for the veteran player.
Florentino asks Luka Modric
Having taken the three points against Celta, Florentino was pleased with the victory and headed to the dressing room, as usual. He chatted for a while with Modric before leaving, and according to what Madrid-Barcelona has been able to find out, the Madrid president asked him never to retire. He did it in a joking tone, but you know: between jokes and jokes...
However, Luka Modric's response was very clear: he has decided. This will be his last contract with Madrid and there will be no possibility of renewing it. He needs to hang up his cleats and doesn't think about a near future as a professional, not even playing in a minor league.
The Croatian believes that he has already done everything in the elite and wants to retire as the captain of his beloved Real Madrid . This will be his last season and Florentino knows it: he wants peace, to dedicate himself to his family and start his future career away from the field.
Luka Modric: replacement in mind
Although Luka Modric remains a key player in important matches, Florentino Pérez is already planning the future of the midfield without the veteran. The idea of transfer a promising youngster to take his place is becoming a priority.
In this case, Nico Paz has emerged as a clear option. The young footballer, who has shone outside the White House, is seen by Toni Kroos as a midfielder with the ability to mark an era at Real Madrid. Paz stands out for his intelligence in the game and his ability to organize from midfield, characteristics that fit the profile that Madrid are looking for to replace Luka Modric.
The idea of Nico Paz's return in 2025 has begun to gain ground in the Valdebebas offices. Florentino Pérez is evaluating the possibilities of his return to ensure a smooth transition in midfield. The aim is that, with the departure of Luka Modric, Paz can have the necessary space to grow and consolidate himself as one of the pillars of Real Madrid's new project.