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<ul><li>Vazquez's contract with Madrid has expired</li><li>Posted heartfelt farewell on social media</li><li>His next club has not yet been finalised</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

'Every step along the way has been a gift' - Real Madrid star bids emotional farewell after almost 18 years with La Liga giants but his next move remains unclear

<p>Vazquez is officially an ex-Real Madrid player. The 34-year-old's <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/revealed-clause-luka-modric-lucas-vazquez-contracts-real-madrid-club-world-cup/bltfd1a0aef03b47741" target="_blank">contract with the club expired on July 13</a>, upon the end of the Club World Cup. On Wednesday, the former Spanish international posted a farewell letter for Madrid and the fans, stating that "every step along the way has been a gift."</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Vazquez joined Real Madrid's famed youth academy, La Fabrica, as a 16-year-old in 2007. He rose through the ranks rapidly and helped reserve side Real Madrid Castilla return to the second tier after a five-year absence, with the B team winning the third division at the end of the 2011-12 season. His displays earned him a loan to Espanyol in La Liga in the 2014-15 season, after which he was promoted to the Blancos first team in the 2015-16 season. Never one of the stars names in the dressing room, Vazquez embodied Madridismo like very few other in recent memory, and sacrificed himself on countless occasions to prioritise the team's interests. He played 402 games, scoring 38 goals, delivering 61 assists, and winning 23 trophies - including five Champions League and four league titles.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Taking to Instagram, Vazquez posted an emotional farewell video, stating: “Dear Madridistas, it's been nearly two decades since I arrived at Valdebebas as a 16-year-old full of dreams and excitement to wear this shirt. Every step along the way has been a gift, and over time, Madrid became my home.</p><p>“We've lived unforgettable nights together, celebrated 23 titles and created memories that will stay with me forever. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the President, board, staff, coaches, teammates and above all, to the fans. You pushed me to always give that little bit more.</p><p>“Today, after more than 400 matches, it's time to say goodbye to the club of my life. But I leave with peace of mind knowing I gave it my all. I've always been aware of the responsibility and privilege that comes with wearing this badge. I've enjoyed every match, training session, trip, and if there's one thing this journey has taught me, it's that no one should ever tell you that you can't achieve something.</p><p>“I may be leaving Real Madrid, but Real Madrid will never leave me. Wherever I go, I will proudly say that I had the honor of playing for the greatest club in the world. Thank you for being part of the most beautiful journey of my life. Hala Madrid, and&nbsp;nothing&nbsp;more!”</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMKhDnCIy3Y/" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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WHAT LUCAS VAZQUEZ SAID

<p>Vazquez's future remains uncertain at the moment. According to reports, the 34-year-old has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lucas-vazquez-la-liga-real-madrid-exit-full-back-jose-mourinho-reunion-fenerbahce-qatar-move/bltfdefc49287048108" target="_blank">turned down the opportunity to reunite with Espanyol</a> out of respect for Madrid, while offers from Qatar and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/another-target-fenerbahce-turkish-giants-talks-real-madrid-jose-mourinho-signings/bltee8fe76e9f5728fe" target="_blank">Turkish side Fenerbahce</a> remain on the table.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR LUCAS VAZQUEZ?

'Every step along the way has been a gift' - Real Madrid star bids emotional farewell after almost 18 years with La Liga giants but his next move remains unclear | Goal.com

Lucas Vazquez is set to leave Real Madrid after first joining them as a 16-year-old in 2007, with the Spaniard posting an emotional farewell online.

&apos;Every step along the way has been a gift&apos; - Real Madrid star bids emotional farewell after almost 18 years with La Liga giants but his next move remains unclear