Real's coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Saturday night that he is still waiting for Luka Modrić's decision on a potential stay at Real Madrid. Modrić, the 38-year-old captain of the Croatian national team, is in negotiations with the management regarding the extension of his contract, which expires on June 30th.

"We are waiting for Luka's decision," Ancelotti said at a press conference after Real Madrid's match against Betis, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

The coach added that he also expects decisions from defender Nacho Fernandez and winger Lucas Vazquez, whose contracts also expire in a month.

Asked if he had given any advice to these three players, Ancelotti replied that he had not.

"They didn't ask for it. They are not my sons," he said. "They know exactly what they want to do, and we will respect those decisions," he added.

Modrić, the oldest player in the dressing room, has previously stated in media interviews that he would like to stay at Real Madrid, where he has been playing since 2012 and has won 25 trophies. Ancelotti is implementing the club's policy of rejuvenating the team, and Spanish media have reported that the management has offered Modrić a contract with lower pay and a reduced playing role.

Real Madrid has not commented on these reports but has only stated that negotiations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, 34-year-old midfielder Toni Kroos bid farewell to the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu. The German, whose contract expires on June 30th, announced that he will retire from professional football this summer. He will make his final appearance for Real Madrid in London in a week's time in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

Real Madrid has already won the Spanish league and the Super Cup this season./HINA

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