Luka Modric has revealed his pride at being named Real Madrid captain for the 2024-25 campaign, with the decision confirmed after he signed a new one-year contract at Bernabeu.
The 38-year-old's previous deal with Los Blancos expired at the end of June, but it was announced on Wednesday that he had signed a contract extension until June 2025.
Modric has also been appointed as the new captain, taking on the role due to Nacho's departure, with the centre-back leaving at the end of June to make the move to the Saudi Pro League.
"It's a huge responsibility," Modric told the club's official website. "When you see the leaders of Real Madrid over the years and being able to be captain of Real Madrid, it's a very beautiful and special thing and I'm very happy to be able to represent the team as a captain.
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Modric calls Real Madrid captaincy "very beautiful"
"Having the possibility of being the player who has won the most titles at Real Madrid is incredible. There are many titles waiting for the team and there are a lot of hopes for me and the team.
"I am ready for what awaits me. I hope that we win a lot this season and I want to be the player with the most titles.
"I never imagined everything that happened to me, especially since I have been here for so many years, which is good, but training here, with so many young people who push you to work harder, makes you improve day by day. I can't relax.
"I train outside Valdebebas as well, take care of myself and do everything necessary to be at this level at this age... we are like a family, we are friends and there is a very good atmosphere.
"I am touched, but I wanted to continue at Real Madrid because I still feel good and I think I am able to continue performing at a high level. I hope we can all continue winning a lot of titles together this year.
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Modric "very happy to continue at Real Madrid"
"I am very happy to continue at Real Madrid. I will give everything for this shirt like all these years.
"I hope I will have a lot of happiness this season and we will win many titles. Your support means a lot to us and we will do everything on the field to bring you a lot of joy."
Modric has won four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey crowns and six Champions League trophies during his time in the Spanish capital, arriving at the club from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.
The Croatian has represented Los Blancos on 534 occasions in all competitions, scoring 39 times and registering 86 assists in the process, including two goals and eight assists in 46 outings during the 2023-24 campaign.
Matt Law
