♦ Modric appointed Real Madrid skipper after departure of Nacho Fernandez
♦ Veteran midfielder says he’s very happy to take on a “huge responsibility”
♦ Croatian will play alongside Kylian Mbappe at Bernabeu next season
Luka Modric has vowed to do all he can to help Kylian Mbappe settle in at Real Madrid, and admitted taking on the club captaincy is “something very beautiful”.
The Croatian veteran ended speculation over his future by signing a new one-year contract on Wednesday, providing stability for the 15-time Champions League winners after the surprise retirement of long-time midfield partner Toni Kroos.
Not only did Modric pen fresh terms to extend his stay in the Spanish capital into a 13th year, he was confirmed as the club’s new captain after the departure of Nacho Fernandez.
Speaking to Real Madrid’s club channels, the 38-year-old said of the honour: “It is a huge responsibility. When you see the captains that Madrid has had over the years and being able to be captain of Real Madrid is something very beautiful, special and I am very happy to be able to represent Madrid as captain.
“The dressing room is like a family, we are friends and there is a great atmosphere. This has an influence, but I wanted to stay at Real Madrid because I still feel good and I think I am capable of continuing to perform at a high level. Hopefully we can all win many titles together this year.”
Modric also reserved special words of encouragement for incoming teammate Mbappe, who he has jousted against both at club and international level. The pair famously squared off in the 2018 World Cup final, when Mbappe inspired France to a 4-2 win over Croatia.
Mbappe praised Modric during his unveiling as Madrid’s newest signing and the captain replied in kind when he was asked about his arrival: “I appreciate his words. They were very nice. I am happy that he has finally arrived at Real Madrid,” he said.
“He is one of the best and he has shown it over all these years. He is a player who has won the World Cup , against me unfortunately, but I am very happy that he is at my side. We are all going to help him in any way possible so that he adapts and shows his talent and can reach the maximum.”
Modric has the chance to become Madrid’s most decorated player ever in terms of trophy wins, should the club succeed again in 2024/25, and he concluded of that possibility: “Having the chance to be the player with the most titles at Real Madrid is something incredible.
“There are many titles ahead for the team and there is a lot of excitement, for me and for the team. I am ready for what awaits me. I hope we win a lot this season and I become the player with the most titles.”