Guler explains why he chose Real Madrid over Milan and Barcelona: 'Like a family'

Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler has explained why he chose to sign for Los Blancos rather than AC Milan, Barcelona or any of the other linked teams in Europe. 

Speaking to YouTube channel Kafa Sports (via Calciomercato.com), the Turkish youngster was asked about the summer of 2023 where he had a very tough decision to make with multiple huge clubs vying for his signature.

Guler had impressed whilst playing for Fenerbahce and whilst the likes of Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter were linked, it seemed that Milan, Real Madrid and Barcelona were the most serious about signing the attacking midfielder.

As Guler explains, he wanted to continue focusing on his work at Fenerbahce until the season ended but then he went on holiday and gave himself time to think.

A phone call from his dad to say that Real Madrid were seriously interested seemed to be the clinching moment, and Guler explained what that meant to him.

“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,” Guler said.

“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.”

The La Liga side ended up paying a little more than the €17.5m release clause as Guler worked hard to ensure that Fenerbahce got as much money as possible for him.

“I had a release clause of €17.5 million. So, whoever paid that amount would have taken me. But I continued to negotiate with Real Madrid until the last moment so that my family, Fenerbahce could earn more,” he explained.

Milan have since been linked with a loan move for Guler.