Luka Modric handpicks soon-to-be Real Madrid player to take over his No. 10 shirt

It is often difficult to come to terms with the fact that Luka Modric is 37 years old.

The Croatian international still dominates the middle of the park the way he always has and shows no signs of slowing down for either club or country.

While he has pushed himself continually to prolong his career in Europe, one knows that his departure from the club is not far away. Many expect the 2023/24 campaign to be his final dance with the white shirt, and it appears that Modric knows the writing is on the wall too.

According to reports from Volkan Demir, the midfield maestro recently spoke to soon-to-be Real Madrid player Arda Guler to coerce him to sign for the club.

As part of his conversation, he confirmed that he would not continue at the club past next summer and placed a lot of responsibility on Guler’s shoulders.

"I’m leaving next season, and I want you to have my jersey (10) next," Modric is understood to have told the 18-year-old wonderkid.

Los Blancos endured a rough battle with arch-rivals Barcelona for the 18-year-old’s acquisition. After trailing for the most part, it was their offer that prevailed and the deal is now considered to be very close to completion.

Güler is expected to join Carlo Ancelotti’s men at the earliest and will most likely make the trip to the USA for pre-season. It remains to be seen, however, if the manager considers the teenager an option in midfield or to play on the right side of the attack.

As for Modric, his role in the team this season is expected to be slightly subdued given the arrival of Jude Bellingham. Nevertheless, one can remain assured that he will have his usual decisive part to play when the big games arrive.