Lucas Vazquez says that he has “fulfilled the dream of his life” after his departure from Real Madrid was confirmed.
The Spanish side announced on Wednesday that the 33-year-old would depart the club after 10 years in the Spanish capital.
Speaking at a farewell ceremony which was held at the club’s training facility, Vazquez reflected on his near 20-year association with the club.
“I want to start by thanking the fans, for your applause, for every gesture of support, you have been with me every step of the way, and you have made me feel something eternal. I came here with a dream, and I have fulfilled it,” he said.
“Above all, I have been happy. I have always tried to give the best of myself, and I have felt valued and loved. I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the president, Florentino Perez. You have always shown me your affection, and I will always be proud of it. To Jose Angel Sanchez for always making things easy after long and hard negotiations.
“I leave with peace of mind, with a clear conscience, I have fulfilled the dream of my life, and I have done it in the biggest club in the world. But this is not a goodbye, it is a see you soon because here I was happy, because here I am happy, because here I have always been a canterano of Real Madrid.”
🤍 #GraciasLucas 🤍 pic.twitter.com/dBUuV0PLGV
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) July 17, 2025
“I’m leaving Real Madrid, but Real Madrid will never leave me,” Vázquez said on social media on Wednesday. “Wherever I go, I will proudly say that I had the honor of playing for the best team in the world. Thank you for joining me on the most beautiful journey of my life.”
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said on the defender’s departure: “Lucas Vazquez represents the values of Real Madrid in an exemplary way, which has made him one of the most loved players by our fans.
“The figure of Lucas Vazquez symbolizes the work, perseverance, humility and a winning spirit essential to succeed with this shirt. He is a player who takes the affection and recognition of all Real Madrid. Real Madrid is and always will be his home.
“Real Madrid wishes him and his entire family the best of luck in this new stage of his life.”
Vazquez signed a one-year contract extension in 2024, extending his stay at Madrid to 18 years after joining as a 16-year-old in 2007.
The winger-turned-full-back won the Champions League five times with Madrid, alongside four La Liga titles. Vazquez also won the Spanish Super Cup four times, alongside Club World Cup trophies in three consecutive years.
Vazquez made 402 appearances for Madrid, playing regularly for Carlo Ancelotti’s side last campaign following Dani Carvajal’s ACL injury in October. In 53 matches in 2024-25, Vazquez contributed two goals and eight assists and often captained the side in Luka Modric’s absence. He also made nine appearances for the Spanish national team.
The Spaniard’s final Madrid appearance was the Club World Cup semi-final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain on July 9.
(Photo: Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
