The Santiago Bernabéu experienced an emotional day this Saturday when two great figures of Real Madrid, coach Carlo Ancelotti and midfielder Luka Modric, said goodbye after the match against Real Sociedad, which ended in a 2-0 win thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappé, bringing him closer to the Golden Boot.

At the end of the game, while the crowd gave a prolonged ovation, Ancelotti took the microphone to express his feelings. “It’s not easy to explain what I feel right now. It has been a huge honor to coach this club and this team. I am deeply grateful to my president, Florentino Pérez, for trusting me, and to all the players who have been with me. These years will remain forever in my memory,” he said, visibly emotional.

The Italian coach fondly recalled some of the highlights of his time at the club. “I will never forget Karim Benzema’s three goals against PSG, a match that defined an era. Nor the brace by Rodrygo against City or the assist from Luka Modric that led us to victory. Every day here has been unique,” he added.

Modric: A Love for Life and One Last Wish

For his part, Luka Modric said that the love he feels for Real Madrid, where he has become the player with the most titles in the club’s history after thirteen years, “is for life.” In an emotional statement to Real Madrid TV, he thanked the fans and highlighted the tribute he received at the Bernabéu as an unforgettable moment. “I never dreamed of this, and I am very grateful for this recognition and for everything I have experienced in these almost thirteen years,” he said.

Among all the memories, Modric treasured the most special nights at home, especially the comebacks against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City, emphasizing the historic turnaround against PSG that marked a before and after in his career.

Before closing his chapter at the white club, the Croatian focused on his last goal: winning the Club World Cup. “We want to arrive at that tournament with hope, and hopefully celebrate another title in Madrid with our people. It would be the perfect way to end this stage,” he said.

Florentino Pérez Could Not Hold Back Tears

The emotion was not only on the field. President Florentino Pérez was seen several times with tears during the tribute to Ancelotti and Modric, demonstrating the deep connection and affection both have for the institution. The president broke down crying as the careers of these two legends were honored, whose legacy will remain unforgettable in the club’s history.

During the match, Kylian Mbappé showed determination to get closer to the Golden Boot with two goals, while Real Sociedad, weakened by many absences and with no European hopes, barely offered resistance, highlighting only the work of its youth academy promoted by coach Imanol Alguacil.

A negative note for Real Madrid was the muscle injury suffered by Brahim Díaz, who was replaced by Vinícius Jr., who brought fresh energy and took part in the play that led to the second goal.

Finally, in his farewell words, Ancelotti showed optimism about the future. “I leave calm, having given everything for this badge. This club is huge and I know that whoever comes next will continue adding successes. I have set the bar high, but I trust they will surpass it. Hala Madrid and nothing else,” he concluded.

With this emotional farewell, both Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modric close brilliant chapters in their history with Real Madrid, leaving an indelible legacy for future generations and Madrid fans.