Arda Guler: "The call from Ancelotti and my father's words about Real Madrid changed my life"

Arda Guler, the young rising star of Turkish football in recent years, detailed one of the most important moments of his life—his move to Real Madrid. According to him, this decision became a turning point not only in terms of football but also in his personal life.

Arda, who transferred from Fenerbahce to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023, recalls that after being called up to the Turkish national team, he received offers from several renowned clubs. However, he decided to respond only to the one that truly touched his heart and ignited something inside him.

"One day, my father told me: 'We need to talk about an offer.' I replied, 'Don’t tell me about any offers unless it's something really important.' Then my father said: 'Arda… it's Real Madrid,'" recalls Arda Guler.

These words literally shook him: "It was a dream. My father and I thought a lot. Is it too early to go? Because there were also offers from other big clubs," he added.

However, the decisive moment that completely changed the situation was a FaceTime conversation with the team’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

"When he appeared on the screen, he was wearing a Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses, and possibly even had a cigar. He started talking very sincerely: 'Arda, believe me, a great future awaits you here. Perhaps not immediately, but opportunities will definitely come. When Modric and Kroos end their careers, you will take their place on the field,'" recounted Arda.

Guler admits that being mentioned alongside football legends like Modric and Kroos was a true honor for him, and during the conversation, he could hardly find words to respond.

"Ancelotti asked me: 'Arda, promise me that you’ll come to Madrid. Promise.' I replied, 'Of course, sir.' Then he added: 'We’ll talk again later. Right now, I have to get back to my wife.' Haha. At that moment, I felt like my 'additional time' was running out. As soon as the call ended, I looked at my father, and we made our decision," said Arda Guler.

According to him, the moment of being introduced as a Real Madrid player felt like a true celebration. Although his contract is for six years, it feels to him as if this relationship is meant for a lifetime.

"When my mother cried, I wiped her tears and kissed her cheek. We sacrificed a lot to get here. Now, our dream has come true. I didn't have money to play as Alex Hunter on PlayStation. Therefore, I decided to become such a footballer in real life," concluded Guler sincerely.

Indeed, the most beautiful moments in football are not just goals and championships, but the fulfillment of a dream that makes one's heart flutter. And Arda Guler took his first step on this path not with his feet, but with his heart. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!