Arda Guler, in a heartfelt letter to The Players’ Tribune, spoke about his life, particularly focusing on his time at Real Madrid. The Turkish midfielder openly discussed his emotions about joining the club, the transfer process, and his adaptation. Below is an excerpt from his letter:

Signing with Real Madrid
 
Transfer offers from other clubs kept coming, but I didn’t want to hear anything unless it truly motivated me. Then, in June, my father told me he had to make a call about a new offer. He said it was from Real Madrid. It felt unreal that this could happen so quickly. That summer, my father and I had long discussions about whether I was ready to leave early. The truth is, the decision was very difficult because I had many offers, and choosing was tough.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Key Role

I had a video call with Mr. Carlo Ancelotti. I’ll never forget the moment his number appeared on the screen and the video started loading. He was also on vacation. It was such an unreal moment that I barely remember the details, but I think he was wearing a Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses, and maybe even had a cigar in his hand. He told me: “Arda, you have a bright future here. Maybe not in the first year, but you’ll get opportunities. When Modric and Kroos get too old, we can put you in midfield.” Then he said: “Arda, promise me you’ll come to Madrid. Promise me, promise me, promise me.” I said: “Of course, sir.” He said: “We’ll talk soon. I really have to go with my wife now.” When the call ended, I looked at my father, and we agreed that if we were going to do something, it had to be big!

Presentation at Real Madrid

When you’re presented as a Real Madrid player, it’s like a wedding. Your contract is for six years, but the idea is to stay forever. I was sitting next to my parents, and when my mom started crying, I wiped her tears and kissed her cheek. We had sacrificed so much to be here, and now our dream had come true. I was so poor I couldn’t even play as Alex Hunter (a fictional character in FIFA games) on PlayStation, so I had to become him in real life!

Relationship with Ancelotti

From the beginning, Ancelotti became like a father to me, but it was funny because he mostly joked with me, and I was still a kid with wide-eyed wonder trying to fit into the biggest club in the world. I never knew if Ancelotti was serious or not, believe it or not?

Entering the Locker Room

When I joined the team, I found out that Alaba and Rudiger knew a little Turkish. They grew up in Berlin and Vienna with Turkish immigrants, and Alaba is a huge Galatasaray fan. Courtois had played with Arda Turan, so he knew a few words… Well, but it was weird because in Turkey, we address elders with respect. We say “abi,” which literally means “big brother.” This is ingrained in our culture. I couldn’t just call Modric “Luka.” He could be my father. So I said: “Hello, Luka abi.” Then… Alaba and Rudiger thought “abi” was for everyone, even me. They started greeting me with “Good morning, abi.” The nickname stuck, and now it’s too late to change it. Now I’m officially “Arda Abi,” the youngest big brother in the locker room!

Modric, Guler’s Guide

Usually, you feel like you’ve done something great when you score an amazing goal or make a decisive pass. For me, that moment was exactly when we got a free kick in our favor, from outside the box, and I was on the bench. Modric looked at me and said: “Arda, this would’ve been perfect for you.” These small details mean so much. Recently, in another game, in the first half when we were behind, Modric told me: “Get ready, you’re going in.” He’s a legend, one of the best midfielders in history, and now he trusted me to turn the game around. I was deeply moved.

Bench Experience

Sitting on the bench isn’t an easy position. When we won the Champions League, I didn’t feel like I deserved to lift the trophy because I hadn’t contributed much on the field. That’s why when Ancelotti handed me the microphone at the Cibeles stadium, I was so embarrassed. I had no plans to climb onto the bus roof because I was too tired.

I remember two friends texting me: “Where are you? We can’t see you.” I was below, talking to Kroos and Modric. Modric asked me if Mourinho was going to coach Fenerbahce. My friends said: “Are you crazy? You just won the Champions League! Get up there and celebrate!” But that’s how I am. Winning a trophy isn’t enough for me. I have to feel like I deserved it.

Future Dreams at Real Madrid

I turned 20 earlier this year. I still have many dreams in my notebook. I want to become an important player for Real Madrid. I want to win that Champions League. I also want to wear the number 10 for this club.

Guler’s Dream for Turkey

More than anything, I want to pave the way for a new generation of Turkish players. I know I’m the great hope of Turkish football, but I don’t want to be alone. I want to open the door for everyone.