Luka Modrić’s contract with Real Madrid is set to expire at the end of this season, and Spanish tabloid Don Balon has reported that the Croatian captain has allegedly discussed his future with Real’s president.

As the end of his contract approaches, Spanish media is increasingly speculating about what lies ahead for Modrić next summer. The Croatian midfielder, who recently turned 39, has yet to make any public statements about his plans. However, Don Balon claims that Modrić has held talks with Florentino Pérez.

The report states: "The Croatian midfielder told Real’s president that this would be his final season at the club and that he plans to retire. Modrić knows how difficult this decision is, but he’s aware that, approaching 40, he wouldn’t get as many opportunities. With his departure, Real Madrid will lose one of its legends, but Pérez has already identified a replacement—Florian Wirtz, whom Real will try to sign from Bayer Leverkusen this summer to fend off interest from Manchester City."

Last week, Modrić was on duty with the Croatian national team, leading them to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals. With World Cup qualifiers starting in the spring, the captain has not yet decided whether he will lead Croatia into another World Cup campaign.