Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admits he feels a mix of bittersweet emotions, nearly bringing tears to his eyes. When he learns Luka Modric will be leaving the club after the Club World Cup halt. But at the same time, two of his long-lost teammates have able to shake off the rust.
สมัครสมาชิก UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีทุกวัน
Modric’s contract expired at the end of June, but the team extended his contract until the end of the 2025 Club World Cup. It turned out that they only made it as far as the semi-finals, losing 0-4 to Paris Saint-Germain yesterday.
It was not a pretty farewell for the one-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“We are lucky to have so many Real Madrid fans in the stadium,” he said on the official website.
“That’s why it hurts us to lose in front of them,” he said. “Modric even walked off the pitch to a standing ovation, and it wasn’t just from the ‘Madridista’ fans, it was from everyone.”
“He was a great player, a great teammate, and we will miss him.”
The same game saw right-back Dani Carvajal, who has recovered from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, return to action from October 2024, as well as Eder Militao for the first time in eight months.
“We are happy for both of them to be back on the pitch,” Courtois added.
“I think it’s good for both of them. They’re now ready for the new season. It’s great to have them back in our group to compete again.”
“Even though the results weren’t as expected, I can still see the positive side of the team, that those two have shaken off the rust.”
“But at the same time, it’s a shame that Modric and Lucas Vazquez (whose contracts have expired) have to leave the team. They are legends. Real Madrid would like to send their best wishes.”
Modric’s next destination is AC Milan, while Vazquez has been linked with Fenerbahce.