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- Lucas Vazquez talks Real Madrid exit, favourite memory, Vinicius, Zidane, Alonso, La Liga title race
Lucas Vazquez talks Real Madrid exit, favourite memory, Vinicius, Zidane, Alonso, La Liga title race
In a revealing and emotionally charged interview with COPE’s El Partidazo, former Real Madrid stalwart Lucas Vázquez has opened up about the complex tapestry of emotions surrounding his departure from the Santiago Bernabéu, a decision that marks the end of a significant era for both the player and the club. Having made over 400 appearances and started 227 matches, Vázquez departs with a legacy glittering with trophies, yet he confesses to a profound sense of missing the daily camaraderie with teammates and the entire ecosystem of the club, a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who understands the unique family atmosphere cultivated at a giant like Madrid.He was at pains to clarify that his exit, while not his initial desire, was a mutually understood and peaceful conclusion, reached after several thoughtful meetings with director José Ángel Sánchez throughout the year, and he staunchly refuted any suggestion that the high-profile signing of a player in a similar position, which occurred later in the process, was a catalyst, instead emphasizing the spectacular treatment he always received from the institution. The 34-year-old winger, now embarking on a new chapter with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, revealed he consciously turned down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, driven by a burning ambition to remain at the elite level of European competition, a testament to the competitive fire that has defined his career, and he expressed a clear-eyed conviction that a return to Spain is unlikely, viewing his German adventure as the perfect next step in his professional journey.When reflecting on the zenith of his decade in the famous white shirt, Vázquez’s voice undoubtedly filled with emotion as he pinpointed the 2015/16 Champions League final victory over Atlético Madrid at San Siro as his happiest memory, vividly recounting the powerful, tearful embrace with his wife and brother, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy that transcended the sport itself, and he shed light on the decisive penalty shootout, recalling how he approached Zinedine Zidane and his assistant Davide Ancelotti with unwavering confidence to volunteer for a spot-kick, though he humbly admitted he didn’t realize the immense weight of being the first taker until days after the triumph. His praise for former colleagues was both specific and insightful, identifying Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos as the two figures who left the most indelible mark on him, not just through their phenomenal talent but through their relentless culture of effort and a life philosophy built on excellence, while among coaches, he reserved his most special words for Zidane, whose personal touch and managerial style profoundly shaped his career.Vázquez also delved into the pivotal tactical shift that extended his relevance at the highest level: his conversion to a right-back, a move he initially resisted but ultimately embraced after a crucial conversation with Zidane, who assured him of his potential to excel in the role, a decision that arguably added years to his tenure at Madrid and showcased his immense team-first mentality. On the subject of his brief overlap with the new Real Madrid boss, Xabi Alonso, Vázquez described the Club World Cup experience as a valuable and respectful introduction, a period that allowed the squad to understand Alonso's footballing ideas and his character, though his time under the new manager was unfortunately cut short.The interview took a more serious turn as the club legend addressed the vile abuse suffered by his former teammate Vinicius Jr. at away grounds, describing it as a deeply difficult situation for the entire dressing room, who consistently urged the Brazilian not to be affected by the non-footballing noise, even if he didn't always heed their advice, a frank admission of the challenging reality top players sometimes face.On the contentious Negreira case, Vázquez was unequivocal, labeling the scandal as hard to explain and unbelievable, confirming that it was a topic of intense discussion within the locker room, demonstrating the squad's awareness of the external pressures surrounding the league. Looking at the current La Liga title race, the die-hard Madridista in him emerged as he acknowledged the quality of a Barcelona side that is fantastic to watch, predicting a fiercely difficult battle for the championship, but he left no doubt about his ultimate allegiance, firmly stating his hope that Real Madrid emerges victorious. He concluded with a heartfelt reflection on his departure, reiterating that while he misses the people of Real Madrid immensely and feels incredibly fortunate for the joy he experienced there, he believes this change was a necessary and positive step for his career, a mature perspective from a player who truly left everything on the pitch for the club he loved.
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