Arda Guler reveals why he chose to join Real Madrid over Barcelona last summer

Arda Guler may have had a slow start to life at Real Madrid, but he has started to establish himself in recent weeks. He capped his first La Liga start with the only goal in Friday’s victory over Real Sociedad, with his overall performance also delighted those associated with Los Blancos.

Guler joined Real Madrid last summer from Fenerbahce, although it was almost very different. He was heavily linked with Barcelona too, before opting for the Madrid side of El Clasico. Speaking with Kafa Sports (via Diario AS), the teenager revealed why he did so.

“When my father called me and told me that Real Madrid wanted me and were interested in me, I was very excited, very happy. It all came a little too soon for me. That’s why I was so excited. Why did I choose Madrid? From a young age, many children dream of playing for Madrid, the biggest club in the world. They are like a family and offered me a long-term project. As soon as we sat down at the table, everything was decided. It was very fast.

“I used to watch Madrid videos on YouTube, and now I train with them. Madrid told me that (Luka) Modric would help me. I was very impressed because he’s an incredible player and he’s still an incredible player.”

Guler also revealed that Carlo Ancelotti played a big role in his decision to join Real Madrid.

“He called me three times before coming to play here, he even asked me to promise him that I would come.

“I address him with great respect. We talk a lot, I ask him what I can do to play more, how I can improve. We all want to play more. He gives me advice.”