Real Madrid: Florentino Perez’s Tears After Ancelotti’s Strong Message

On a deeply emotional evening at the Santiago Bernabéu on May 24, 2025, Real Madrid witnessed the end of an era. As the final whistle blew in their match against Real Sociedad, fans didn’t just bid farewell to a season — they said goodbye to two of the most iconic figures in the club’s modern history: Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modrić.

The air was thick with sentiment, and the occasion carried a rare blend of triumph and sorrow. The legendary Italian manager, Carlo Ancelotti, took to the pitch after the match for a short but powerful farewell message that would shake the stadium to its core. “Hala Madrid, and all I can say is that. I love you, Real Madrid, and I love you very much, the Madridistas. Goodbye,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion.

His words were simple, yet they carried the weight of years of commitment, sacrifice, and love for the badge. The Santiago Bernabéu, known for its demanding standards and historic expectations, responded with thunderous applause, heartfelt chants, and thousands of waving white scarves — a true ovation for a man who gave everything for the crest.

Among the many faces on the bench and in the stands reacting to this heartfelt moment, one stood out: Florentino Pérez. The Real Madrid president, who often maintains a stoic and reserved demeanor, couldn’t hold back his tears. Cameras caught him visibly moved, his eyes welled up as he clapped and embraced his departing coach.

The connection between Ancelotti and Pérez goes far beyond trophies and contracts. Over two managerial stints, the pair built a partnership rooted in trust, mutual respect, and shared vision. Together, they reshaped the destiny of Real Madrid, delivering 15 trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga championships, and a legacy of footballing excellence.

What made Ancelotti’s spell even more iconic was his ability to bring unity and calm to the locker room, managing superstars and youth alike with a gentle but firm touch. He was more than a tactician — he was a father figure to many players and a calming presence in moments of chaos.

The farewell was not limited to Ancelotti. The night also marked the emotional sendoff for Luka Modrić, the Croatian magician who redefined the midfield role at Madrid. After more than a decade of glittering performances, five Champions League titles, and countless magical moments, Modrić bowed out with the dignity and class that defined his career.

As Modrić stepped off the pitch, fans erupted into another standing ovation, chanting his name in unison. Many couldn’t hold back their tears, knowing they were witnessing the departure of one of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the club. His presence, vision, and leadership will be sorely missed.

For Pérez, the emotions of the evening were overwhelming. To say goodbye to two such club icons on the same night — one from the technical bench and the other from the heart of the field — was more than a ceremonial gesture. It was a closing chapter on a golden age of success, built on the shoulders of trust, elegance, and unrelenting passion for football.

The Real Madrid president, who has overseen the club through some of its most triumphant and turbulent eras, looked visibly shaken as he hugged Ancelotti and later Modrić. In those brief moments, the usually calculated leader showed raw humanity and a deep love for the institution he leads.

Ancelotti, in his final press conference, reflected on the journey. “I’ve won titles, yes. But today, I leave with a full heart. What I received from the players, from the fans, and from Florentino is something I’ll cherish forever,” he said, visibly emotional. “Real Madrid is more than a club. It’s family.”

Even in his farewell, the Italian tactician provided reassurance. “I will always be a Madridista. This club is part of who I am,” he added, confirming that although his role may change, his allegiance never will.

As the stadium emptied and fans lingered in the hope of one last glimpse, a sense of transition filled the air. Real Madrid now steps into a new era — one without Ancelotti’s steady hand on the touchline or Modrić’s poetry in midfield.

Yet despite the tears and goodbyes, there is optimism. With Xabi Alonso likely to inherit the coaching reins and a new generation rising in the squad, Real Madrid looks ahead with courage, even as it honors the legends of its past.

Florentino Pérez’s tears may have been a goodbye, but they were also a tribute — a reminder that in the kingdom of football, even kings weep when the soul of their dynasty moves on.

As fans left the Bernabéu, many whispered the same words Ancelotti did: Hala Madrid y nada más.