In Turkey, Arda Güler’s name symbolizes hope and pride. Every time he dons the national team jersey, he captivates with his magical left foot, natural elegance, and exceptional vision. However, in Spain, the reality is different for the talented player, as he finds himself spending more time on Real Madrid's bench than he would prefer.

This lack of playing time has sparked constant debate in Turkey. Many wonder why such a talented player has yet to secure a regular spot in Real Madrid's lineup. Some attribute it to tactical reasons, particularly difficulties fitting into a 4-3-3 formation. Others believe it's the coach's preference for experienced players, while a few speculate about Güler's temperament. His national team coach, Vincenzo Montella, who holds him in high regard, was quick to defend him, declaring, "He’s a gem, and he will succeed." Regardless of the reasons, Arda is navigating the situation between the fiery determination he shows in Turkey and the patience demanded by Ancelotti and the club.

From the Press Box at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, MARCA witnessed firsthand that the Arda who plays for Turkey is not the same Arda who plays for Real Madrid. Confidence is the key difference. With his national team, he plays with passion, as if every match is a tribute to his roots. At Madrid, the lack of opportunities has tempered his character somewhat, but he remains resilient. He expressed his thoughts during a brief conversation in the mixed zone following Turkey's 3-0 victory over Hungary.

Arda, who speaks Spanish, was surprised to see MARCA’s presence but didn’t hesitate to respond in Spanish with confidence, despite having room for improvement in the language. His appearances in front of the Spanish media have been rare, and even in Turkey, they are limited. Beaming after scoring a fantastic goal, he answered each question with a smile, as the celebratory shouts from the locker room echoed behind him.

He reflected on his recent performance: “It was very important for us to secure promotion to Nations League A and leave with this victory. We’re all really happy.”

When asked about his upcoming return to Madrid and his goals for the rest of the season, Arda was clear: “Madrid always fights to win every game and every title. Personally, my only goal is to play in every match and help my team win those titles.”

Regarding his situation at Madrid, he remained optimistic, saying, “Real Madrid gave me a plan, and I still believe in it. I’m confident I’ll succeed at Real Madrid. I’ve even bought a house in Madrid. I work hard every day, and I’m always ready to play, as you saw in this match against Hungary.”

Finally, on whether he had any doubts about his future at Madrid, Arda was firm: “I love Real Madrid fans, and their support means a lot. I came to this club to play and be a crucial part of this team, and I won’t stop fighting until I achieve that.”

Pressed for time, Arda ended the conversation with a high five. Physically, he appears stronger than the young player who arrived in Madrid 18 months ago—a testament to his hard work and dedication to the club’s plan, which he continues to follow despite the challenges.

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