Kylian Mbappe cuts holiday short to make touching gesture for departing Real Madrid star Lucas Vazquez
34-year-old leaves after 18 years at the club
Mbappe attended ceremony after cutting holiday short
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Real Madrid organised an institutional farewell ceremony within the Valdebebas premises for Vazquez, with the long-serving warrior departing the club after spending 10 years in the first-team and lifting 23 titles. In a touching gesture, Mbappe, along with goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, cut short their vacations to attend the ceremony for one of their ex-captains. Even Marcelo, who shared the dressing room with Vazquez for seven seasons, was present at the event.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Vazquez first joined Madrid as a 16-year-old in 2007 and rose rapidly through the youth ranks. He got his first taste of top-flight football in the 2014-15 season, when he was loaned out to Espanyol in La Liga. The following season, he earned a promotion to the first team, and became one of the most important squad players, often sacrificing himself out of team's best interests. He earned the privilege of the wearing the captain's armband on numerous occasions
WHAT LUCAS VAZQUEZ SAID
Speaking at his farewell, Vazquez struggled to hold back his tears. He said: "This is one of the most important days of my life. Thank you for every applause and every gesture of support, you've made me feel at home. Today it's time to say bye, but I'll never say goodbye to my Real Madrid.
"I've had the privilege of sharing a dressing room with legends and winning titles, but above all, I've been happy. I've felt valued, respected, and loved. To the president, Florentino Perez, thank you for allowing me to fulfill my dream. To Jose Angel Sanchez, thank you for putting your all into the negotiations.
"To my parents, since becoming a father, I understand even more everything you did for me. To you, Mateo, my brother, thank you for instilling in me your love of football. Without you, I wouldn't be a footballer; I've fulfilled both of our dreams. And to you, Maca, you gave me peace of mind and support to keep believing in myself. We've laughed and cried together. You're the person who knows me best and also the one who has endured me the longest, being my best life partner. I can never thank you for everything you've done for me.
"You've given me my children; you're my greatest pride. I hope that one day you'll understand what wearing this shirt meant to your father. I've fulfilled my dream. I'm leaving, but Real Madrid will always be my home. I am and always will be Lucas Vazquez, a canterano Real Madrid."
WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE AND VAZQUEZ?
Mbappe will return to pre-season duties in around two weeks time, with Madrid set to face Osasuna on August 19. Meanwhile, Vazquez is yet to decide his next destination. Rumour has it that he turned down an opportunity to rejoin Espanyol. He currently has offers from Qatar and Turkish side Fenerbahce on the table.
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