Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler has expressed his delight towards scoring his first goal for the club in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Celta Vigo.
Guler was handed just his fourth La Liga appearance of the season when he came off the bench in the 89th minute of Sunday’s game, but he still had the time to round the goalkeeper and fire home his first goal since his summer switch from Fenerbahce.
Late cameos are nothing new to Guler, whose four outings have totalled just 26 minutes, and the 19-year-old admitted he has endured a tough campaign to this point.
“It was fantastic to score in such a stunning atmosphere,” Guler said. “I’m thrilled to have scored my first goal, thanks to everyone who has supported me. I hope there will be many more to come and I will work hard to make it happen.
“It’s been a difficult season so far, but hopefully after today better things will come. I’m really happy to be here. It’s the best club in the world and, although it’s tough, I think I have the quality and character to rise up to it.”
Guler’s limited minutes have prompted rumours of a potential feud between the Turkish teenager and manager Carlo Ancelotti, but the Madrid boss stressed his support after the game.
“He has played very little,” Ancelotti acknowledged. “I was sure that he could do something.
“He is a great talent. His goal was very good. He has a big future here. We are very sure of that.”
Reflecting on his opening goal, Guler added: “When I was one-on-one with the goalkeeper, I saw that he was losing position, so I took the ball to my right and shot. Fortunately it went in and I’m very happy.”
