“The only thing outweighing my sadness right now is the gratitude I feel for having had the honour of being your teammate,” Bellingham wrote. “So many great memories on and off the pitch that I will treasure forever.”
Bellingham praised Modrić not just for his undeniable footballing brilliance but for his humility, kindness, and leadership in the dressing room.
“Your magic was never a surprise… but your humility, openness, and the time you took for every single person… has blown me away. You’re a constant reminder of everything that is beautiful about football.”
In a moving conclusion, Bellingham signed off emotionally:
“Brate, from the bottom of my heart thank you for every pass (whether it was with the inside or outside), every dribble, every nutmeg and every shot—but more meaningful to me, every chat, every hug, every dinner and every piece of wisdom and advice that you gave.
I will miss you.”
Modrić’s departure marks the end of an unforgettable era at Real Madrid, but messages like Bellingham’s underscore the lasting legacy he leaves behind — not just as a player, but as a mentor and role model.