Real Madrid Sign 18-year-old Soccer Sensation Arda Güler Dubbed ‘Turkish Messi’

Real Madrid announced on Thursday that it had acquired 18-year-old soccer sensation Arda Güler from Fenerbahce of Turkey.

One of the sport’s most highly sought-after prospects, Güler’s signing was rumored to be a battle between several prestigious teams.

However, Real ultimately prevailed in the race to sign Güler and added his talent and potential to its roster. Güler signed a six-year contract with the club.

At his official unveiling with his visibly emotional family in tow, Güler expressed his excitement at signing for the historic club, leaping to the lectern next to club president Florentino Pérez before the Los Blancos supremo was finished with his speech.

Güler then shared a brief comment: “I want to start by saying thank you to my family, the people who have supported me along the way, and this club. A Real Madrid legend is something else I aspire to. I appreciate you all.”

Güler’s low center of gravity, close control and ability to dribble in tight spaces – as well as his preferred position on the right side of the pitch to allow him to cut in on his stronger left foot – have earned him comparisons with Argentine great Lionel Messi, with fans dubbing him the “Turkish Messi.”

In 2021, when he was 16 years old and making his first-team debut, he contributed an assist to give fans a taste of what was to come. He has since gone on to have a breakthrough season at Fenerbahce over the past 12 months.

During the 2022–23 season, he made 35 appearances and scored six goals. He was named Player of the Match for his efforts, which helped Fenerbahçe win the Turkish Cup.

Opta, a stats website, reports that Güler generated 40 chances for goals last season, or one every 23 minutes. This is the best average for a player in a Süper Lig season since 2014/15.

Güler posted an emotional goodbye message to Fenerbahçe on Twitter, saying: “It’s time to bid adieu to Fenerbahce, where I spent some of the happiest moments of my life.

“I will never forget the first time I put on the legendary jersey I had always envisioned wearing, the pride I felt in wearing the number 10, the magnificent Fenerbahce supporters, or the incredible support I experienced everywhere I went.

“It’s difficult to say goodbye, but I had to make this choice in order to increase the pride of those who have faith in me, to inspire those who are about to give up, and to demonstrate that Turkish youth can achieve anything they set their minds to. My sincere gratitude to all who have contributed to the person I am today.

“Dear Fenerbahce, you will always hold a special place in my heart and in my memories for giving me the opportunity to play for the national team and enabling me to fulfill a lifelong dream.”

Güler made his debut for the Turkish national team when he was just 17 years old.

Since then, he has received four caps, and in his most recent match, he scored his first goal for the senior team against Wales in a European Championship qualifier.

At only 18 years and 114 days old, Güler made history by becoming the youngest player in his nation’s history to score for the national team.

Along with a host of other talented players, including Vinícius Jr., he will now contend for a spot in Real’s starting lineup. and In addition to Toni Kroos, Luka Modri, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, the team’s exceptional midfield group now includes Jude Bellingham. Rodrygo plays in the front line.

With Real star Vinícius Jr., the excitement of his arrival in Madrid seemed to permeate the locker room. tweeting: “Another who makes the best choice.”

Reference: www.cnn.com