Real Madrid icon bids emotional farewell after 17 years

Actual Madrid veteran Lucas Vazquez bid farewell to his boyhood membership on Thursday, in an official membership act. The 34-year-old’s contract has expired, and he’s now a free agent for the primary time.

Vazquez joined the membership on the age of 16 in 2007 as a youth participant from Velez, and started shifting up the ranks till he reached the Castilla facet. He would then go away on mortgage to Espanyol for a 12 months, earlier than Los Blancos introduced him again from Los Pericos. He would spend the subsequent decade as a helpful various for Actual Madrid, initially on the appropriate wing, after which as a right-back.

The nine-time Spain worldwide made 402 appearances for the membership, scoring 38 targets and giving 73 assists. Maybe most famously he scored a penalty towards Aletico Madrid within the 2016 Champions League last, and final season scored and assisted in a 3-2 win over Barcelona. He lifted 4 Liga titles, 5 Champions Leagues, and one Copa del Rey, whereas choosing up an extra 12 Supercup trophies.

Dedication to accomplice Macarena Rodriguez

In an emotional occasion, the place President Florentino Perez referred to as Vazquez ‘certainly one of us’, earlier than thanking him for his years of service, Vazquez opened with a message for his spouse Macarena Rodriguez.

“With out you, this wouldn’t have been potential,” Lucas stated to his spouse, as quoted by Marca.

“You gave me peace of thoughts and assist to maintain believing in myself. We’ve laughed and cried collectively. You’re the one that is aware of me finest and in addition the one who has endured me essentially the most, being my finest life accomplice. I can by no means thanks for every little thing you’ve carried out for me.”

Message to followers and president

The occasion was attended by a lot of the Actual Madrid hierarchy, in addition to Kylian Mbappe and Andriy Lunin. Vazquez was in tears on the occasion and on his last day on the Santiago Bernabeu in Might, as he reduce a decrease profile than Luka Modric and Carlo Ancelotti.

“This is without doubt one of the most vital days of my life, and I need to begin by thanking the followers. Thanks for each applause and each gesture of assist. You’ve made me really feel at house. I’ve had the privilege of sharing a dressing room with legends and profitable titles, however above all, I’ve been joyful. I’ve felt valued, revered, and cherished. Thanks for permitting me to meet my dream,” he indicated to Perez.

“I’ve fulfilled my dream. I’m leaving, however Actual Madrid won’t ever be mine. I’m and at all times shall be Lucas Vazquez, a Actual Madrid youth participant.”

Subsequent vacation spot for Lucas Vazquez

It’s not but clear the place Vazquez will go subsequent, though it’s stated that he’ll possible go away Europe in an effort to keep away from enjoying Actual Madrid. Sport say that essentially the most curiosity has come from Qatar, the place he may reunite with Joselu Mato at Al-Gharafa.