Lucas Vázquez at home in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen
Lucas Vázquez says he feels fully vindicated by his decision to leave Real Madrid after over 18 decorated years at the club for Bayer Leverkusen.
Joining Madrid at 16, Vázquez went on to make 402 competitive appearances for the European giants, winning some 23 trophies - including five UEFA Champions League titles - before moving abroad for the first time in summer 2025.
Although injury has disrupted his start to life at Leverkusen, restricting him to nine appearances in all competitions, the 34-year-old defender couldn't be much happier in his new surroundings.
"[The Bundesliga] is a very attractive league. The football played here is at a very high level, the quality is very high and there is a lot of talent. I was keen to try out another top league," Vázquez told Werkself magazine after scoring his first Leverkusen goal in the 1-0 win over Werder Bremen on Bundesliga Matchday 19.
Watch: Lucas Vázquez off the mark against Bremen!
"I've often played in Germany and know the atmosphere; I was impressed by matches in Germany in the Champions League. How emotional football is here, how the fans always support their team, the passion in the stands.
"Now I'm part of a team that is cheered on like that - even away from home. That's a new experience. Also because the culture of away fans doesn't exist like it does here in Spain. Fewer fans travel and the away stands are usually somewhere at the top of the stadium, so you can't hear them on the pitch like you can in Germany.
"The first time my family went to the stadium in Leverkusen, they were overwhelmed by the atmosphere. I've never seen the crowd support the players in this way before, it's incredible."
Given his experience at the top of the world game, it's fair to assume Vázquez was not short of elite-level options during the summer transfer. However, once 2023/24 domestic double-winners Leverkusen came calling, his mind was made up. The fact the Rhineland club are run by fellow countryman Fernando Carro sweetened the deal.
"Leverkusen are a big club that has made it into the top 16 in Europe over the past five years, thanks to its successes. It's a great club and for me the move was a very good opportunity to continue enjoying football at the highest level in a great team," Vázquez explained.
"There were also enquiries from other countries, but my aim was to play at the highest level. Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes also made my decision very easy and showed me right from the start that they would love to have me. In the end, I'm also here because of them.
"What Bayer 04 have achieved and accomplished is incredible and a significant achievement in European football - and closely linked to [Fernando Carro]. He has made a great contribution and his successes show how valuable his work is. People in Spain know that just as much as they do in Germany."
Watch: Leverkusen fans quiz Vázquez
Kitted out with a contract through to 30 June 2027, Vázquez says he is as committed as ever to helping Leverkusen build on their Xabi Alonso-era triumphs. The nine-time Spain international also hopes to foster his children's enjoyment of the beautiful game - not to taste the adulation and glory that football can bring, but for personal development and to learn key life skills.
"You get to know other children, from different places, classes, cultures and families. It's also a team sport that teaches you many important things for life, such as cohesion, social components, discipline and a team player mentality - plus you get to be active. There are a lot of positive aspects," Vázquez opined, before elaborating on the values instilled in him by his parents as a youngster growing up in the autonomous Galicia community of Spain.
"Respect, working hard every day, never giving up and always trusting in yourself are essential values in private life and in sport. I always try to internalise them and set an example for my children."
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