Video: Real Madrid's emotional and legendary farewell to Modric and Ancelotti

Real Madrid closed the season with a 2-0 win against Real Sociedad but the real focus was elsewhere. Even before kickoff, all eyes were on Luka Modric and Carlo Ancelotti—two legends stepping onto the Santiago Bernabeu for the last time as members of the team. And their farewell was nothing short of memorable.

Fans and Real Madrid alike paid a heartfelt tribute to Modric and Ancelotti as they closed an era marked by immense success. They depart as the player and manager with the most titles in the history of what many consider the greatest team in soccer history.

Before the game started, Real Madrid unveiled a giant Modric jersey right at the center of the field. Then, in the 87th minute, Ancelotti decided it was time to take Modric out. The game came to a complete stop as both Real Madrid and Real Sociedad players formed two lines to honor him. The crowd stood and gave a heartfelt farewell to a true legend who has given everything for Real Madrid.

But it didn’t end there. After the final whistle, Ancelotti and Modric took the microphone to share their farewell messages with the fans. The Italian manager described his time with the team as “an unforgettable story.”

"It has been extraordinary to live this story with you. It is an unforgettable story (...) I cannot forget every day I have spent here," said Ancelotti, visibly moved.

Modric, with tears of emotion in his eyes, wanted to leave the fans with a memorable phrase: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Hala Madrid and nothing else! Thank you!”

Modric and Ancelotti were two key figures in Real Madrid’s recent golden era. The Croatian leaves as the player with the most titles in the club’s history (28), while the Italian—who will now coach the Brazilian national team—is Real Madrid’s most successful manager with 15 trophies.