After 18 years at Madrid, Vazquez has taken a trip down memory lane to honour the figures who shaped his journey. The Spaniard, who rose through the club’s youth ranks before becoming a dependable squad player during their Champions League threepeat, opened up about the teammates and coaches who left a lasting impact on him during an interview with COPE’s El Partidazo.
Vazquez explained that while he had the privilege of sharing the dressing room with several world-class players, two names stood above the rest Ronaldo and Ramos for their unmatched professionalism and work ethic.
“As a person, I have many. I’ve been very lucky to meet some really good people. Nacho, [Dani] Carvajal, [Luka] Modric, Ramos, [Marco] Asensio, [Toni] Kroos… and professionally, the most spectacular have been Sergio Ramos and Cristiano, who have had the greatest impact on me because of their work culture.”
The Bernabeu legend also reflected on the managers who guided him through his long spell at Madrid. Having played under several elite tacticians, he revealed that Zidane left the strongest impression, ahead of Carlo Ancelotti, Rafael Benitez and Julen Lopetegui, describing the Frenchman as “the most special” among them.
“It was Zidane, and I’ve had spectacular coaches; Ancelotti, Benitez, Lopetegui… but Zidane has been the most special. I’ve had a good relationship with all of them,” he added.
After joining Leverkusen on a free transfer in the summer, Vazquez has already made five appearances under new manager Kasper Hjulmand. The Bundesliga club currently sit fifth in the table and will face Mainz after the international break before meeting European champions Paris Saint-Germain in a high-profile Champions League clash – another chance for Vazquez to show the professionalism that once defined his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
