Lucas Vazquez talks Mbappe, Perez, Real Madrid contract, captaincy – ‘This is my home’ | OneFootball

Just a day after renewing his contract, long-time club stalwart Lucas Vazquez sat down with Real Madrid TV to discuss the extension, expressing that it was something he had been hoping for quite some time.

Vazquez’s previous contract had officially expired on June 30, but both parties had already reached a mutual agreement over a new deal well before that date, and now it has finally been formalized.

Vazquez’s journey with Real Madrid has been a remarkable one, stretching back to 2007 when he first joined the club’s prestigious youth academy.

Over the years, he has become a familiar and beloved figure at the club, embodying the spirit and resilience that Real Madrid stands for.

“It’s something I was hoping for and it makes me so happy and motivated. Playing here is special and I’ll be able to tell my kids about it for years to come,” he began saying.

“Real Madrid is my home, it’s where I have been since I was 16 years old. I’ve been here for over half my life. It has helped me grow as a person and as a footballer.

Lucas Vazquez signed a one-year renewal with Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“It’s a hugely important part of my life. I feel proud of the fact I’ve never wavered from my desire to achieve my childhood dream, which was to play for the first team at Real Madrid.”

Vazquez was also thankful to club president Florentino Perez, saying that he is the reason why Madrid are considered the greeted team.

“The president is the prime example of Real Madrid’s greatness. Everything he’s built during his time leading the club speaks for itself. He’s won more trophies than any other president in history and it’s an honour to be here with him.”

Proud to be one of the captains

With Nacho gone, Vazquez is expected to be one of the captains and while speaking about it, he said,

“It’s beautiful, really special. To be among that group of four captains helps to consolidate all the years I’ve been in the squad. I’m going to try and help the team continue on this winning streak.”

During his long stint with the club, the 33-year-old has won five Champions League titles among other honours.

“It makes me incredibly proud. It’s unbelievable and if they had told me that a few years ago, I’d never have believed it.

“It’s an absolute dream for me and for all of my teammates. We’re doing great things and that is reflected in those Champions League wins.”

Real Madrid is a family

Lucas Vazquez has been at Real Madrid since 2007. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Over the past few seasons, Real Madrid have worked as a unit and Vazquez is proud to share the dressing room with his teammates.

“We’re an incredibly happy dressing room. We’ve been able to integrate the younger guys with the experienced lads really well, and we’ve managed to strike that perfect balance that gives us even greater strength.

“At the most crucial moments, when the team might be struggling a bit, we’re able to pull through,” he explained.

The 2024/25 season will be one of the most hectic campaigns for the team, with as many as seven titles up for grabs. Speaking about it, he reflected,

“What we love as players is winning trophies. We’re used to those demands placed on us and we’ll go all out to win all seven. I hope we can manage it.”

Vazquez, who arrived at the club in 2007, also spoke about Kylian Mbappe, the club’s newest signing, adding that his inclusion will be a good boost for the squad.

“Kylian is a special player, the kind who was born to play for Real Madrid. We’ve got an exciting year ahead of us. We’re adding an immense talent to what was already here, in Vini Jr., Rodrygo, Jude…

“All the lads we’ve got at the top end of the pitch. To have Mbappé here is amazing and we’re going to enjoy watching him play this season, and of course, win lots of titles.”

Real Madrid will witness a renovated Santiago Bernabeu and when asked about his thoughts on the same, he added,

“Playing at the Bernabéu is always special. Our fans really get behind us and you can feel that incredible atmosphere. Now with the new ground, the way it’s designed with the closed roof, it’s unbelievable.

“Not just for us but for any players who come here, it’s really quite striking. Whenever we need it most, our 12th man steps up,” he concluded.