Real Madrid confirm Luka Modric as new captain in contract renewal

Luka Modric has become Real Madrid's new club captain after signing a new one-year contract with the club.

The 38-year-old was out of contract at the Santiago Bernabeu and it wasn't immediately clear whether or not the Croatian would follow in the footsteps of teammate Toni Kroos, who opted to retire from all forms of football after Euro 2024.

Madrid won a La Liga and Champions League double last season – Modric's sixth success in the latter competition – but played a more peripheral role for Carlo Ancelotti in the heart of midfield as the Italian swayed towards using younger options such as Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Modric's experience has proven invaluable to Madrid, however, with his experience of winning at the highest level key to developing the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes in recent years.

He has now signed a one-year contract extension with Madrid, assuming the club captaincy after Nacho Fernandez's departure at the end of last season, and will be tasked with passing on his wisdom to new signing Endrick – the wonderfully talented Brazilian who has completed his big-money move from Palmeiras.

Modric will continue to wear the number 10 shirt at Madrid after Kylian Mbappe opted to take the number nine shirt. The Frenchman said at his unveiling "I never said I wanted this number… it’s Luka Modric’s number. I’m honoured to play with Modric. He’s a champion, a Ballon d’Or [winner] and I respect him so much."

After an early exit from Euro 2024, Modric is expected to play a full part in Madrid's pre-season tour of the United States. First up is a clash with AC Milan in Chicago, before a meeting with fierce rivals Barcelona in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Madrid's US adventure wraps up with a heavyweight clash against Chelsea on August 6, to be played in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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