Another prodigy joins the Royal Team, and this time is the turn of Arda Güler. The 18-year-old boy from Ankara is added to the list of a deep midfield which holds several other names with a bright future ahead. Already one of the hottest names in the transfer market, Real Madrid had to deal with many other potential suitors in the race to secure his services. The class of 2005 talent, has just been crowned a Turkish Cup champion with Fenerbahçe in the 22-23 season, as well as being voted man of the match in the final. He is also a full international and the youngest player ever to score for the Turkish national side - he opened his account at just 18 years and 114 days old.
The new Real Madrid signing made his first-team debut for Fenerbahçe in August 2021, in a Europa League qualifier which came before his 17th birthday. In that 21-22 campaign, Güler went on to play 16 times and score three goals for his club. Last season saw him truly burst onto the scene, making 35 appearances, scoring six goals and delivering some stunning performances like the one in the Turkish Cup final against Basaksehir. In the showpiece event, he set up Fenerbahçe's opening goal on the way to a 2-0 win and was named man of the match.
Arda Güler has been a full international since the 19th of November 2022. He made his debut at 17 years of age, in a friendly clash against the Czech Republic. He has now earned four caps for Turkey, scoring once. His goal came against Wales in a European Championship qualifier on June 19, 2023, making him the youngest player in his country's history to score for the national side.
Career:
-Genclerbirligi (2014-2019)
-Fenerbahce youth system (2019-2021)
-Fenerbahçe (2021-2023)
Honours:
1 Turkish Cup (2022-2023)
1 Man of the Match in the Turkish Cup Final (2022-2023)
Real Madrid made the official announcement on July 6: “Real Madrid C. F. and Fenerbahçe SK have agreed the transfer of Arda Güler, who signs a deal with our club for the next six seasons. Tomorrow, on Friday 7 July at 12:00, Arda Güler will be unveiled as a new Real Madrid player at Real Madrid City. Following his presentation, Arda Güler will speak to the press”.
Upon his arrival, Arda Güler was at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, where he successfully passed the medical examination ahead of his presentation as a new Real Madrid player. He was unveiled as a new Real Madrid player at a ceremony that took place at Real Madrid City and began with the projection of a video with the best footage featuring the player. Florentino Pérez then took the floor: “Today we continue to bolster the present and the future of our squad. We continue to build on a sporting project that we regard as strategic and fundamental in order to be able to return to the successes we have achieved in recent years”.
“For this reason, today is also a very special day for us. Because a young player who dreams of success in the world of football with Real Madrid has arrived. A player with enormous talent and who, naturally, was wanted by the big clubs in European football. Your talent and hard work have earned you a place at the most loved and admired club in the world. As of today you are a Real Madrid player. We welcome you and thank you for choosing this badge and this shirt to write your own history. At just 18 years of age, you have already fulfilled one of the greatest dreams of your life. You have come to Real Madrid, the club that has won 14 European Cups”, he continued.
Real Madrid values: "You have seen, like so many millions of children, how the greatest comebacks were made and how those Champions League trophies that are now part of the magic of football were won. Here you will continue to develop these values. Hard work, self-improvement, sacrifice, commitment, respect, humility, solidarity and, essentially, something that we are known for all over the world: Real Madrid never give up”.
Arda Güler also expressed his happiness: “First of all, I'd like to thank all my family and all the people who have contributed to this moment. I also want to thank the club president for his kind words. I also want to become a club legend like Di Stéfano”.
Before the presentation ceremony, Arda Güler signed a new contract for six seasons in the boardroom at Real Madrid City, accompanied by club president Florentino Pérez. After the signing, he was presented with a watch, a replica of the Santiago Bernabéu and a shirt with his name and number 24.
After being unveiled as a Real Madrid player, Arda Güler spoke to the media in the press room at Real Madrid City. The Turkish midfielder had the following to say: “First of all, I'd like to remember Di Stéfano. This is the most important club in the world and I feel very happy and proud to be here. Many clubs have approached me, but Real Madrid was my preference. I want to bring all my football and talent to Real Madrid. I'm best in the centre of midfield. But it's not important because I want to earn my position. I want to be an offensive player and create goal scoring situations. The position is up to the coach. I play well in the centre and also on the right wing”.
Teammates in centre midfield: “There are a lot of good players. I'm ready to compete and I'm going to earn my position, I'm going to give it everything to earn my place at the club. I want to stay and play here. If I get a chance to play I will take it. I'm not contemplating any other possibility. I've been offered to play and that's what I'm going to do”.
Favourite madridista legends: “Real Madrid have a great legacy. Cristiano Ronaldo, Özil, Zidane, Guti. They are legends and I want to form part of this history”.
Conversations with Ancelotti: “When the process started, he called me several times and told me where he was going to play me. I respect him very much”.
First Real Madrid memories: “I remember the Champions League finals. I've watched all of them with my friends”.
Modrić, an inspiration in midfield: “They're all very important, but for me Modrić is the best midfielder in the world and I'm going to take this opportunity to learn everything from him. I have a lot of respect for him”.
His relationship with Mesut Özil: “He told me that Real Madrid is the greatest club in the world. We have a brotherly relationship and he's always spoken highly of the club and given me good advice”.
Interest from other clubs: “Many clubs have shown interest and we had contact with some, but when Real Madrid came in and told me that I'd be able to play, the rest of the offers became worthless. This is the best club in the world and they didn't need to tell me anything else to convince me”.
Leaving Fenerbahçe: “Emotionally it has been very tough, but if the best club in the world calls you and it's the club you want to go to. I love them all very much and I don't want them to feel bad. They will understand me, they will hope that I succeed in my career and they will be understanding, because I'm going to the best club in the world and they will also benefit financially from my decision”.
Real Madrid's Director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Butragueño, joined Arda Güller at the press conference, and welcomed the youngster: “Dear Arda, welcome to Real Madrid where a lot of excitement awaits you. At the club we will do everything we can to make you and your family very happy. As the club president said, our fans and our values will help you to face this great challenge. I would like to congratulate you once again. Welcome to your new home”.
After the presentation ceremony and the press conference, the Turkish player donned the Real Madrid kit, posing in it on pitch 3 at Real Madrid City.
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