Luka Modric said that he will remain with the club during their Champions League final celebrations on Monday.

The former Tottenham Hotspur player, along with Real Madrid teammate Dani Carvajal, carved his name into the European Cup record books by capturing his sixth trophy on Saturday evening.

Modric earned his sixth top-tier European title when Carlo Ancelotti’s team defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final, a feat shared only by Carvajal and Paco Gento.

The Croatia international made his 46th appearance of the 2023-24 season at Wembley Stadium, but he only played the final five minutes and has rarely started in recent months.

The 38-year-old nevertheless managed two goals and eight assists in 2023-24, but his contract with Los Blancos ends at the end of the month, allowing him to leave for free.

Saudi Pro League clubs are ready to offer Modric one last big payoff before he retires, but he has chosen to turn down the riches of the Middle East in favour of signing a new short-term contract at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid has not formally announced his contract renewal, but Modric confirmed it during Madrid’s celebrations on Sunday, saying, “See you next season, Madristas,” to the jubilant crowd.

Luka Modric is staying with Los Blancos for one-more-year

Modric will thus wear the Real Madrid shirt for the 13th consecutive season, having joined from Tottenham Hotspur for £29.8 million in the summer of 2012, during which time he has become one of Europe’s most accomplished midfielders.

The 38-year-old has 39 goals and 86 assists in 534 games for Los Blancos, earning 25 championships along the way, and he will captain Croatia at the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.

While Modric will continue to play for Real Madrid in 2024-25, his fellow veteran and highly regarded midfielder Toni Kroos appears to have played his final game for the 15-time European winners.

Despite being over five years Modric’s junior, Kroos has indicated that he will retire after Euro 2024, stating that he wants to hang up his boots while still performing at his peak level.

However, Blancos manager Ancelotti has left the door open for the 34-year-old to change his mind, stating that he is “waiting” for a call to reaffirm his willingness to stay after all.

As Kroos bids farewell, his seat in the Real Madrid locker room could be taken by Kylian Mbappe, whose highly anticipated transfer is expected to be completed in the coming days.