Lucas Vázquez, unlike Carlo Ancelotti and Luca Modrić, will not be officially bid farewell at Real Madrid – a departure fitting the Spaniard’s quiet nature.
The final quarter of an hour was approaching, and the fourth official raised the board to indicate a substitution. But it wasn’t just any substitution.
Lucas Vázquez left the field in his 400th competitive match for Real Madrid. It will likely be his last for the Royal Whites in La Liga.
And the spectators sensed that it was a special moment: As Vázquez left the field, the Bernabeu rose and applauded. Chants were sung for the 33-year-old, who was not officially bid farewell before or after the 2-0 victory against San Sebastian to end the season.
Vazquez touched to tears
In stark contrast to coach Carlo Ancelotti and veteran Luca Modrić, who were given a grand stage.
“The discreet and sincere farewell of Lucas Vázquez,” headlined Marca: He was “showered with gestures of affection,” “but always from the background, as if his departure did not deserve to be in the spotlight. But in the end, he had his moment.”
Tears welled up in Vázquez’s eyes as he waved to the crowd and placed his other hand on the Real badge on his jersey. Arriving at the bench, everyone embraced and hugged him. The player who never made big headlines but was nevertheless important for the team and the club.
Vázquez was a silent servant in Madrid, who always stepped aside without complaint when the big names were cheered. And who always stepped in without complaint when he was needed as a substitute in an unfamiliar position. Most recently, repeatedly as a right-back, where he certainly didn’t always shine.
But that is now forgotten: Even when Vázquez had long left the field, the stadium was still celebrating him. And while the club waived an official farewell, his teammates found words of appreciation for the Spaniard. Vinicius Junior wrote on Instagram: “How I love you, my brother, you deserved it.”
“You only deserve the best”
Rodrygo expressed himself similarly: “My brother. I thank you for these years and especially for the friendship. You only deserve the best.” Vázquez is expected to receive a proper farewell following the Club World Cup, which he is still scheduled to play.
For the moment, it was the fitting farewell of a professional who had always stood in the shadow of the big stars. While Ancelotti and Modrić were allowed to take the microphone, he remained in the role of listener.
Vázquez played for the professionals of Real since 2010 with a one-year interruption. Only in the 2014/15 season did he play for Espanyol Barcelona. The defender had already moved to the youth team of the Royal Whites in 2007. Among other things, he leaves as a five-time Champions League winner.