Former Barcelona star believes Spanish giants have made huge mistake

Ivan Rakitic has questioned Real Madrid’s decision to allow Luka Modric to leave.

Modric bid an emotional farewell to fans at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday in the win over Real Sociedad and will officially leave the club following this summer’s Club World Cup.

Reports suggested the 39-year-old was eager to stay at Madrid but that idea was rejected by new boss Xabi Alonso as he wants to overhaul his midfield and focus on younger players.

Modric’s fellow Croatian Rakitic, who had a hugely successful spell at Madrid’s rivals Barcelona as well as Sevilla, believes that could be a mistake.

Rakitic, who now plays for Hajduk Split, told El Partidazo: “It made me very sad, because we all want to continue enjoying Luka, but Luka in Madrid. Imagining a Madrid without him is quite complicated.

“Madrid have had great players, like Cristiano Ronaldo or Sergio Ramos, but Luka was different. Everyone loved him. Modric needs Madrid and vice versa.”

Will Modric link up with Messi?

Modric, who joined Madrid in 2012 and went on to win four La Liga titles and six Champions League crowns, seemingly has no plans to retire and has already been linked with a move to Inter Miami to play alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

He will also captain Croatia at next summer’s World Cup finals, assuming they qualify.

Rakitic added: “It makes me a little sad. The only thing I have told him on the phone is that I hope he continues to enjoy it and I hope he can take our team to the World Cup. 

“It has surprised me a lot, to tell you the truth. But for me, the important thing as a friend is that he is happy.”