Lucas Canizares, son of goalkeeper Santiago Canizares, said goodbye to Real Madrid, the club of which he was part of the youth academy since he was 12 years old, grateful for the "trust" and growth, setting himself the challenge of succeeding away from the 'Merengues' to earn a return to the first team, as was his dream.

"Thank you Real Madrid. I was only 12 years old when I decided to leave my family and leave my hometown to come to Madrid. A decade later, I don't regret any of the decisions that boy made. Ever since I arrived, I dreamed of one day stepping foot in the Santiago Bernabeu, training with my idols and playing in the Alfredo Di Stefano," he wrote in a farewell letter after closing his departure.

Lucas joined Real Madrid's reserve team from the 2021-22 season and, although he did not make his first-team debut, he won the Club World Cup in 2023, coming on as the third goalkeeper due to the injury to Belgium's Courtois, who wished him well by commenting on his farewell on social media. "Best of luck my friend," he wrote alongside a heart.

"I would like to thank the club for the trust they have placed in me and for allowing me to fulfil all those dreams. I must also thank all the people who have dedicated their time to making me grow as a player and as a person, as they have been key in my development: coaches, physios, doctors, teammates, technical staff, teachers, educators, residence staff, utility workers...", continued the goalkeeper.

"Belonging to Real Madrid has been a source of pride and great satisfaction, but defending its values is the greatest responsibility and motivation an athlete can have. For that reason, I will never be able to thank in words the education and teaching that this club has given me," he added.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who is one step away from joining Portuguese side Farense on a free transfer, set himself a big challenge on the day of his farewell. "Although from today our paths separate, I will work with enthusiasm and ambition to be able to one day return to the club that saw me grow up and believed in me".

August 7, 2024

Lucas Cañizares

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