Lucas Vázquez has already closed his chapter at Real Madrid, and it's not just any farewell. It's the goodbye of a homegrown player who gave everything for the white badge. From his first steps at Castilla, through his loan to Espanyol, to establishing himself in the first team, the Galician has left his mark.
In total, 23 titles, 402 official matches, 38 goals, and 73 assists. But beyond the numbers, his true contribution was in his attitude, always available, always at the service of the team. He played as a winger, as a full-back, as a starter or coming off the bench, and he always performed, discreet off the field, outstanding on it.
At 34, Lucas now faces one of the most important moments of his career: deciding his next destination.
The sentimental decision
He has offers; Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and even Italy have reached out with very tempting proposals, but Lucas has something else in mind. Something more personal. He wants to return to his homeland, Galicia, and more specifically, to Deportivo de La Coruña, the club from his hometown.
Depor is building a serious project to return to professional soccer in grand style. Having a reference like Lucas back wouldn't just be a sporting boost, but also an emotional one. It would mean regaining identity, reconnecting with the fans, and sending a message: better times can return.
Lucas, who made his professional debut with Castilla but grew up in the streets of Coruña, would see a perfect circle close this way. That appeals to him.
Valverde's message
In the midst of this whole process, a very special voice has appeared: Fede Valverde.
The Uruguayan midfielder also knows what it's like to wear Deportivo's jersey. In the 2017-18 season, he played there on loan from Real Madrid.
Although it wasn't an easy year for the club, Valverde has fond memories of his time at Riazor. The city, the people, the environment, everything left a positive mark on him.
That's why, when he learned of Depor's interest in Lucas, he was direct and clear. He told him to his face: "You'll be very happy there."
It wasn't just a compliment. It was honest advice, from experience. Valverde knows that in A Coruña, soccer is lived with passion, and that Lucas would fit perfectly as a natural leader in the locker room.
Riazor awaits him
Deportivo's fans are already dreaming. Not every day do you get the chance to sign a player with 5 Champions and more than 400 matches at Madrid. If that player is also a local, the excitement multiplies.
Lucas hasn't made a final decision yet, but the path to Riazor is becoming clearer. His signing would be much more than a market move: it would be a return full of emotion and responsibility.
Maybe, when he steps onto Riazor and hears his name in the stands, he'll remember what Valverde told him. Sometimes, coming home is just what's needed.