It has been months since Luka Modric left. The farewell happened, his unveiling at San Siro also happened, but I am still not over it. I refuse to believe he could not stay for one more season.
But what had to happen, happened. The Croatian now wears red and black. And he broke a major Serie A record the very first time he stepped onto the field in those colors.
On his Serie A debut against Cremonese, Modric became the oldest player to debut in the Italian league at 39 years and 11 months, surpassing the record previously held by Empoli goalkeeper Maurizio Pugliesi, who debuted in 2016 at 39 years and 5 months.
Modric is a legend of the game and one of Real Madrid’s greatest midfielders. He came to Madrid a boy and left a man, having spent his prime and reached his peak in the Spanish capital.
This debut record is not the only milestone tied to his departure. With his exit, a nearly 25-year streak was also broken: Real Madrid had always featured a Ballon d’Or winner in their squad, but starting this season, that tradition ends.
It shows the weight of Modric’s career and the countless stories he has written. From growing up as a refugee in a war-torn country to being labelled La Liga’s worst signing, what Modric has achieved is a lesson in resilience and leadership.
His absence will be felt at Los Blancos for years. There is hardly a player who can replace him. The closest Madrid have is perhaps Arda Guler, still young and learning.
At 39 and still performing at the top level for a European giant, Modric’s trajectory is nothing short of extraordinary. The number 10 on his back will be missed.
