The Turkish Arda Güler, an international footballer from Fenerbahçe, said with a smile at his coming-out as a Real Madrid player in the Madrid sports complex, that he wants to “be a Real Madrid legend”.
“I want to thank my family and all the people who have made my arrival here possible. I want to be a Real Madrid legend”, stated Güler, who will wear the number 24 shirt for the Madrid club.
At just 18 years old, the midfielder already made history with Fenerbahçe, winning the 2023 Turkish Cup and being chosen as the best player in the final. He also became the youngest player to score for the Turkish senior.
Güler took the floor after president Florentino Pérez and after signing a six-year contract with Real Madrid. He thanked the trust of all those who have made his signing for the white team possible: “Many thanks to the club for bringing me here, to the president of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, for his words and for welcoming me. Thank you all".
Florentino Pérez, for his part, welcomed his latest signing, a player "of enormous talent who was wanted by the big clubs." The Madrid president's speech found an unexpected moment when Güler, in a pause for applause at Florentino Pérez's words, took the stage prematurely. He stayed listening along with the head of the white club, who continued his speech.
"Whenever a new player arrives at Real Madrid, it generates special joy for its millions of followers. Today we strengthen the present and the future. This team is leading one of the most important winning cycles in our history and that has been thanks to newcomers and legends", began Florentino Pérez.
"Young players who are growing up alongside legendary figures and who are already showing their potential to be great world football stars. Some have achieved all possible titles with Real Madrid," he added, noting the white club's transfer policy.
With Güler's mother unable to hold back the tears of emotion in the front row since the presentation began, Florentino Pérez addressed the young footballer's family.
"It is a very special day because a young player arrives who dreams of succeeding in the world of football and at Real Madrid. A player of enormous talent who was sought after by the great European and world football clubs", he valued.
"His talent and work have led him to form part of Real Madrid. Thank you for choosing this shield and shirt. You have reached the club with fourteen European Cups, many of which you have seen achieved with so many young people. You have grown seeing how to achieve these victories and I am convinced that you have dreamed of lifting those titles", he added.
"The values of Real Madrid will accompany you throughout your career and will help you achieve everything you set out to do. You will never forget this moment in your life. You will be accompanied by your parents and your sister who have given you the strength to become into one of the best footballers in your country and one of the emerging figures", he pointed out.
The president of Real Madrid highlighted the achievements already achieved by Güler at his young age and assured that in Turkey "they are more proud than ever" of a footballer who has become "one of the great ambassadors" of the country.
"You have the biggest challenge of your entire career. The Bernabéu awaits you and a crowd that will give you everything and support you until the end. Millions of Real Madrid fans await you who already see you as one of our own and help you withstand the pressure of being Real Madrid player. It carries a great responsibility. From today you are a reference for those people", he said.
"Real Madrid is a way of living life. From today you are an example for children who dream of being football players and especially for Real Madrid. You make your great dream come true. Welcome to your cup", the president declared with Güler to your left.
