Chapter Text
Luka isn't someone who looks too highly of himself.
That's a known fact. Luka is the type of person to praise others for their well done work, raise them up above himself because he considers them to be a shining star. Every teammate felt comfortable with him because of the way he is. Of course there was his sweet and humble nature, along with a comforting and peaceful vibe that manages to calm down the entire team in seconds, but it's also because of that fact. The fact Luka thought highly of others.
The issue is that Luka didn't think of himself as that good.
He just enjoys football and loves playing it. Trophies, fans, money, being well known, are bonuses in his book. Because nothing could compare to the feeling of playing. The wind blowing through your hair, the air in your lungs, the burning in your body as you run, it was just perfect.
So, he loves football.
However, does he think he is good at it?
Well sure! He knows he's good, he wouldn't be in Real Madrid if he was bad. He wouldn't have won the ballon d'or, trophies, etc, if he didn't know how to play.
And the people who put him down and say he isn't good didn't bother him. He knows he's fine.
But did he think he was great? Fantastic? Magnificent?
No.
Luka isn't those things, he knows he isn't. His playing was decent at best and he was fine with that. It didn't bother him.
He never knew that people were bothered by his way of thinking though. He personally thought it was fine. He didn't put himself down and raise others up because they were gods compared to him. He praised them because they deserve it. Like Ronaldo and Sergio. They are fantastic.
But there were still problems with his way of thinking apparently
Or well.. Ancelotti thought so
Who's office he is currently in-
They had just finished training, the entirety of the team. The next game against Barcelona was in about a week so everyone was doing their best around the pitch and in the gym. They trained hard and it left their muscles aching and burning, but it meant they were getting stronger which is good. That's what they want. That's what Luka wants for his teammates.
They deserve to win in Luka's eyes
But after training Ancelotti had called him over into his office to discuss a few things. So after he changed and told Benzema where he was going, because the captain looked after his players, especially Luka, ESPECIALLY after Ramos made him promise to look after the tiny Croat, he made his way out of the locker room and to Ancelotti.
So that's where he currently is. Sitting in a chair across from Ancelotti, with his desk between the two. Ancelotti was leaned forward a bit, his hands clasped together in a professional manner, while Luka leaned his back against the backrest, his hands in his lap and calves crossed one over the other.
"You wanted to see me, coach?" Luka wondered, curiosity blooming in his chest even though his face remained as stoic as ever.
"Yes, Luka. See, something's been brought up to my attention these past few days."
Luka nodded his head "Something serious?" He asked
Ancelotti shook his head "Nothing too serious. But I think it still is. It has nothing to do with the team, but with you."
Luka blinked before raising an eyebrow "Me?" His head tilted slightly "What do you mean, sir? I thought I was doing fine"
"You are" Ancelotti nodded his head, "You're a very valuable part of the team, Luka. You're kind, nice, don't get into many fights and you know how to make sure the midfield is taken care of." He explained "The issue has to do with the way you think"
Luka was lost, "I'm sorry, I don't understand.. you just said-"
"Yes. I did." Ancelotti sighed, "I'm not saying your thinking as a whole, you're a maestro on the field and your analyzing skills are immaculate. There's just a small problem.. that I want to talk to you about."
Luka was still lost, because he absolutely had no clue what the other meant, but he nodded and listened on. That's all he could do really.
"You don't think of yourself as valuable."
Luka blinked..
Once..
Twice..
"I do, sir. I wouldn't be here if I didn't."
Ancelotti shook his head "You only say that, Luka."
Luka furrowed his brows slightly, looking at his coach in confusion, "That's what I think, coach."
"Okay" Ancelotti let it go, down a small calm down gesture, "What if I asked you, 'Luke, do you think other clubs would pay for you?'"
Luka shrugged slightly, shoulders going up and down "Well no" he answered, "I'm good but I don't think anyone would want me"
"What about the fact that Real Madrid bought you back in 2012?"
"They needed a midfielder and I didn't cost that much, if i remember it was about 30 million. It was a good price for someone who can play well."
Ancelotti raised an eyebrow "And you think no one would buy you now?"
Luka shook his head "No, because I cost more than I'm actually for"
"How much would you give yourself?"
"Well I'm older now so.. 25 million maybe"
Ancelotti's eyes widened a bit "Luka, less than what we bought you for?"
Luka shrugged yet again "I'm 37, sir"
"Don't you think that would make clubs WANT to buy you? Considering you have experience and play fantastic?"
The Croat was quick to interject "I don't play fantastic, I'm good at best. There's people who play better than me. And due to my age, and the fact clubs would look for someone who is better at football than me, I don't think anyone would pay for me"
Luka fixed up his posture, sitting up straighter than before, "I promise you, boss, If you told the press you were selling me I would have no choice but to retire or wait for Real to extend my contract"
Ancelotti blinked, shocked that the other would even say that about himself.. "Why?"
"Because no one wants me, Ancelotti, that's a fact."
Ancelotti hummed..
"And you're sure about that?"
"I'm positive"
The coach shrugged, pursing his lips "Then let's do just that"
…
Luka blinked "Sorry?"
"Let's tell people you're leaving. We'll see how many clubs don't want you." He replied to the Croat, giving him a small smirk, "I'll go talk to the press and I'll tell them that your stay at Real Madrid is over. And that by summer you're released. Of course, that's not true, but it's an experiment. So you can see how many clubs want you and how they see you as a magnificent player."
Luka furrowed his brows, "But sir, that's just lying"
Ancelotti shrugged "We'll just say we changed our mind at the end of it. It'll be like we didn't."
Luka shook his head, sighing "Fine. Do what you want. But you'll see it yourself, I won't be getting a single call."
Ancelotti extended his hand to the other, waiting for a handshake "Want to bet?"
Luka watched his hand before his gaze returned to the other's face "On what?"
"If you get multiple calls then you have to admit that you're one of the best midfielders in the world"
Luka was about to cut him off but Ancelotti was quick to continue, disallowing the other to speak "If you don't get a single call then I'll apologize and let you off training for a bit."
Luka hummed..
But he soon extended his own and held Ancelotti's, they shook hands in a swift motion..
"Fine, I accept."
As Luka stood up Ancelotti called out "Just one more thing, Luka"
Luka stopped in his movements, looking at his boss "Yes?"
"Don't tell anyone on the team. It'll be interesting to see their reactions."
Luka chuckled "That I agree with"
—
It was now night time and Luka was in his home, washing the dirty dishes from the dinner he made for himself and putting the leftovers on a plate. The tv was on in the living room, which was close by, just being background noise in the usually quiet house.
As he put the leftover lasagna into the fridge a voice caught his attention. He turned to the door that he needed to go through to get to the living room and blinked, newfound curiosity peeking through.
He closed the fridge with a small swing and made his way out of the kitchen, looking at the tv in question.
Ancelotti.
He was quick to run over to the couch and to sit down on it, taking the tv remote off the living room table and turning up the volume.
He didn't think Acelotti would do it so soon. They JUST talked about it a few hours ago.
"Ancelotti, and what about the future of Modrić?"
Oh boy here it goes.
Luka got himself comfortable, laying his back against the backrest and pulling his knees to his chest, setting his soles down onto the cushion beneath him.
He knows only children and younger people do that but god dammit he's nervous. He didn't think this would be happening so shortly after the conversation.
He knows it's fake and Real Madrid isn't letting him go, yet he felt so devastated at the words that came out of his coach's mouth.
"Luka Modrić isn't needed here anymore. Real Madrid isn't going to extend his contract in June, so this summer he's free."
Luka gulped, listening and watching with attention..
"And how do you feel? Knowing Luka Modrić is leaving after years of being here?"
"Luka is a fantastic player and we loved having him. But he's been here a long time and we need to give the younger players a chance. We know Luka will continue doing his best out of this club and he has our full support wherever he goes."
Luka gulped.
Everything else fell on deaf ears after that, the newer topics and questions went ignored by Luka, because as soon as the final word left the coach's mouth his phone rang from his pocket.
Luka reacted immediately, eyes staring at the screen still as his hand rummaged into the pocket, taking out his ringing phone in a swift motion..
'KB9'
Karim. Of course he'd know first and call immediately. As captain he's meant to pay attention to these things and be told first hand what happens in the team. And due to the fact the Croat didn't tell anyone what was going to happen, and neither did Ancelotti..
Well Karim definitely wasn't happy.
He pressed onto the 'answer' button and pressed the glass to his ear..
"Hey Karim-"
"Luka, did you see the Ancelotti interview just now?"
No hello no how are you, just getting straight to the point..
Well Luka can play along..
"No, what?" The Croat wondered, cursing himself on the inside because the tone was a bit too overthetop.
The other didn't seem to notice
"He said Real Madrid isn't expanding your contract. You're leaving? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Oh, so it's out.." Luka cleared his throat "I guess I forgot. Ancelotti told me a bit ago, when I needed to go to his office"
"No offense, Luka, but that's too big of a deal to just 'forget' about it.."
Luka shrugged "It's not up to me what I forget.." he answered "It just happened. I needed to get home."
Karim sighed "Fuck.. the guys will be devastated- What will you tell Rodrygo? And Mili? And VINI?"
"They'll understand" Luka answered, "It's the way things go. I'm getting older, I've been here enough, it's over for me."
They won't understand, Luka knew that all too well. Especially Rodrygo who's grown to call Luka papa and share his happiness and sadness with him. Who's grown used to him. Who goes to Luka for comfort.
Vini and Mili weren't as attached but they still very much were.
They were like Luka's sons as well. They go to him for whatever reason comes up because they know they can confide in him.
Vinicius, Militao and Rodrygo are Luka's kids. And in all honesty he loves it, he's always wanted to have kids of his own.
So it'll be difficult for those three. Luka had half the mind to tell them what's going on.
But he cannot.
"They won't" Karim continued, "You know how they are"
Luka sighed "I do.. But I can't do anything about it, Karim. It's time for me to go."
"I understand.." Karim sighed, "I just wish we could figure something out"
The sadness in Karim's voice hurt Luka's soul but he forced himself to remain strong "I know, I'm sorry"
"You're here till summer though right?"
"Mhm"
"We'll make it count"
Luka gave a fond smile, followed by a small chuckle as well..
"I'd like that"
"Yeah.. I'll call you later, I can feel my phone vibrating with messages"
Luka forgot they had a group chat. He usually keeps it on silent because they, his teammates, sometimes randomly start texting throughout the night and Luka enjoys his sleep with as little noise as possible.
"Oh right.. I'll look into the group, I'll meet you there"
"Yeah, see ya"
And with that the call ended..
Now onto the group chat. He pressed onto Whatsapp with his thumb.
—
[Real Deal]
15th of January 2022
6:36 pm
(I'm making shit up)
Mili, Vini, Courtois, Karim and others are online
—
{New messages}
Kroos: Am I the only one that just saw the interview?
Karim: I'm gonna call Luka
Kroos: Good idea
Bale: I'm out, what happened? What interview?
Isco: Luka is leaving Real this summer
Bale: He's WHAT?
Casemiro: I just saw the interview
Casemiro: Tell me this is some joke
Vini: what
Mili: he's WHAT
Rodrygo: Luka is leaving?
Kroos: Let's calm down
Mili: I know his contract is expiring but I thought they'd extend it!
Valverde: I honestly thought so too
Valverde: I didn't think they were capable of letting him go
Eden: I was not prepared for this when I got out of the shower
Eden: are you guys for real?
Kroos: Yes
Isco: Mhm
Eden: Damn..
Marcelo: LUKA IS LEAVING? What the hell?! Why didn't anyone tell us?!
Isco: I have no clue
Kroos: I'm guessing Luka forgot?
Vini: Oh yeah just forgot he's LEAVING THE CLUB
Kroos: It's a possibility, he's a busy guy
Lucas: Yo what did I miss
Lucas: Oh shit
Eden: Welcome to the world of the living
Courtois: Can't I just block Luka away from the exit or something?
Vini: Oh what if we just.. hide Luka away
Mili: I like that idea
Kroos: Don't do that
Mili: Why NOT?
Marcelo: Honestly I like that idea
Isco: No
Vini: Why do you hate Luka
Isco: Oh come on
Rodrygo: I just saw the interview
Rodrygo: I thought it was a joke.. he's actually leaving?
Kroos: Sorry Rodry
Isco: Yeah sorry..
Eden: Look I know it's hard but we all knew this was a possibility
Eden: We have to move forward
Kroos: Agreed
Kroos: there's still 5 months with him, let's make sure it's the best 5 months of his life
Vini: I still think we should just hold him hostage till they extend the contract but fine
Mili: Same here
Marcelo: I am not accepting this but agreed
Rodrygo: Okay..
Eden: It'll be okay Rodrygo
Lucas: This is bs
Courtois: Agreed
Courtois: But yeah, I want him to be happy these few months
Nacho: I've just been watching, I'm upset too of course, but have you guys noticed Lukas been watching too?
Vini: ….
Mili: …
Rodrygo: …
Marcelo: …
Eden: …
Casemiro: Oh
Casemiro: Hey Luka
Luka: Traitor, Nacho
Marcelo: LOOK WHOS TALKING
Marcelo: Why didn't you tell us you're leaving?!
Luka: It slipped my mind
Karim: He's not lying
Valverde:.It just seems like something that wouldn't slip your mind
Luka: Acelotti only told me about it a few hours ago, when I went to his office, after that I forgot
Luka: I probably would've remembered but he beat me to it
Vini: So this isn't a joke? You're actually leaving?
Luka: This summer, yes
Luka: I'm sorry everyone
Kroos: It's not your fault, Luka, stuff like this happens. It was a possibility and it seems that one was just the pick
Isco: Agreed, this isn't your fault and we don't blame you
Isco: We're going to make sure these 5 months are the best
Luka: Thank you guys
Rodrygo: papa?
Luka: Yes hijo?
Rodrygo: I don't want you to leave
Luka: Rodry..
Luka: I know and I'm sorry. But everything is going to be okay, I promise you
Vini: Without you?
Mili: No way, nothing will be okay
Luka: Its not the end of the world
Vini: Might as well be
Karim: That's enough
Karim: We're all clearly tired and this has taken a massive tool on us. We should go to bed and talk about this tomorrow.
Vini: Sorry capi
Karim: It's fine
Karim: No offline everyone
Everyone is offline