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Real Madrid recorded a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad to bid an emotional farewell to Carlo Ancelotti, and Luka Modric who will leave the club at the end of the season.
Kylian Mbappe scored a brace in the encounter to ensure a victorious end to a disappointing campaign for Real Madrid.
It was the last match for Ancelotti, Modric after several years of meritorious service at the Santiago Bernabeu, which culminated in various individual, and collective successes.
Ancelotti is expected to take over as the Brazil national team coach next week while Luka Modric’s future is unclear but he will represent the club at the FIFA World Club Cup competition in June.
The Italian coach expressed his delight at the opportunity to coach Real Madrid while wishing the club well in the future.
Ancelotti said: “It’s been an honor, a pleasure, to coach this club.
“It’s an unforgettable story. Nobody will forget Karim [Benzema]’s three goals against Paris Saint-Germain [in 2022]. Nobody will forget Rodrygo’s two goals against Manchester City [that same year]. Nobody will forget Joselu’s two goals [against Bayern Munich, in 2024]. And I won’t forget every day I’ve spent here. Ciao.”
Ancelotti is the most decorated manager in Madrid’s history, with 15 trophies won over six years, in two spells.
On the other hand, Modric is the club’s most decorated player with 28 trophies, and he is one of the most influential midfielders in the Real Madrid’s history.
He said: “The moment I never wanted to come has arrived,” Modric said, speaking to the Bernabéu crowd.
“It’s been a long, marvellous journey. I want to thank the club, the president Florentino Pérez, all the coaches I’ve had all these years, my teammates, and all the people who’ve helped me.
“We’ve won a lot, we’ve had marvellous moments, we’ve won a lot of trophies, but the biggest trophy I’ve won has been your affection, and your love. There’s a phrase I like: don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
Real Madrid have kicked-off their rebuilding plans for next season with Xabi Alonso, Dean Huijsen, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all expected to join this summer. Alonso, and Huijsen will join ahead of the Club World Cup in June.
