VIDEO: Luka Modric in tears ahead of last ever Real Madrid game as team-mate Lucas Vazquez consoles legendary midfielder

Newly released footage showed Modric wiping away tears as he tried to compose himself on the team bus while the team travelled to the Santiago Bernabeu for their final La Liga game of the season. Lucas Vazquez, who was sitting beside the veteran midfielder, comforted Modric with a quiet smile and a warm hug.

Once on the pitch, Madrid gave Modric a fitting send-off. In the 87th minute, the match was paused as players from both sides formed a guard of honour.

Modric leaves behind a legendary legacy at Madrid. The Croatian midfielder joined the club from Tottenham in 2012 and went on to become the most decorated player in Madrid’s history. The 39-year-old won 28 trophies with Los Blancos, including six Champions League titles, four La Liga trophies, two Copa del Rey crowns and six Club World Cups, among others. Over 13 seasons, Modric made 590 appearances, scored 43 goals and registered 95 assists. His standout year came in 2018, when he won the prestigious Ballon d'Or.

Madrid wrapped up their La Liga season with a 2-0 win over Sociedad on Saturday. After the full-time whistle, he was joined on the pitch by his wife Vanja Bosnic and their children as the 39-year-old gave an emotional goodbye to the fans. In an emotional speech, Modric thanked the club, his team-mates and the fans.

"Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened," he said. "We have won a lot, we’ve had incredible moments. There are no words to thank you for all the love you’ve given me over the years."

Modric will continue to be part of Madrid for the Club World Cup. According to AS, several MLS clubs are eyeing the Croatian, but a stay in Europe is not off the table, with Inter reportedly reaching out to his camp about continuing to play in the Champions League.