Real Madrid officially announced that captain Luka Modric will officially leave the team after this summer's Club World Cup, ending his 13-year glorious career at the Bernabeu. The Croatian midfielder will usher in his last battle at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the match against Real Sociedad this Saturday.

Modric, 39, renewed his contract with Real Madrid for one year last year and his contract will expire after the end of this season. After completing the last La Liga game, he will travel with the team to the United States to prepare for the first World Club Cup match against Al Hilal on June 18.

Since joining from Tottenham in 2012, Modric has won 28 championship trophies for Real Madrid, including 6 Champions Leagues, 4 La Liga titles and numerous domestic and international championships. He is not only one of the core players of Real Madrid's golden age, but also one of the greatest midfielders in the club's history.

Modric said goodbye affectionately on his personal social media: "This moment has finally arrived. I never thought it would come so soon. But this is football. Life always has a starting point and an end. This Saturday, I will play my last game at the Bernabeu."

"Playing for Real Madrid changed not only my career, but my life. I am extremely proud to have been part of the greatest era of the best club in the world."

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the club, especially President Florentino Perez, as well as all the coaches, teammates and backstage staff for their support and help."

"Although I will no longer wear the Real Madrid shirt after the Club World Cup, my heart will always belong to this club - I will always be a Madridista."

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez also issued a statement saying: "Luka Modric will always be engraved in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans. He is an unparalleled role model player who always embodies the values of Real Madrid. His football conquered the Bernabeu and the world, and his legend will live forever."