Real Madrid's Spain international right-wing back Lucas Vázquez announced on Wednesday through his official Instagram account that he will leave the club after his contract expires, ending his 18-year Los Blancos career.

"Dear Madridistas, it has been 12 years since I came to Valdebebas (La Fabrica, Real Madrid's famous youth academy) at the age of 16," Vázquez wrote in his official statement.

"I came with a joy that is full of dreams and passion, and I feel honoured to be able to play in this jersey. The journey along the way has been a great gift to me again and again. Over time, Madrid has become my home."

"We have spent many unforgettable nights together, celebrated the glorious moments of winning 23 titles, and created precious memories that I will never forget."

"From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the President, the management, the staff, my coaches, my players, and most importantly, you, my dear fans. It is you who gave me the push to give you a little more back."

"Today, after playing more than 400 games for the team, it is time I say goodbye to my favorite club. But I will leave with piece of mind knowing that I have done my best for the team.

"I have always been aware of the responsibility and honour of wearing the badge of this club. I enjoy every game, every training session and every journey.

"If you ask me what this journey has taught me, it is that no one has the right to tell you that you will achieve nothing.

"Although I will leave Real Madrid, Real Madrid will not leave my heart. No matter where I am, I will be proud to tell others that I have the honour to play for the greatest club in the world.

"Thank you for being a part of my beautiful life. Hala, Madrid! There is no other way to replace it!"

Subsequently, Real Madrid also confirmed the matter on its official website and announced that the club will hold a grand farewell ceremony for Vázquez at La Fabrica at 1:00 p.m. local time on Thursday (July 17) in Spain.

Regarding Vázquez's departure, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said: "Lucas Vázquez is a model of Real Madrid's values, which makes him one of our most beloved players."

"Lucas' image symbolizes hard work, perseverance, humility and winning spirit, which are the keys to his success in this jersey. He is a player who is loved and recognized by all Real Madrid fans. Real Madrid is and will always be his home.

"Real Madrid wishes him and his family all the best in this new stage of his life. ”

About Lucas Vázquez

Vázquez, 34, was born on July 1, 1991 in Curtis, Spain. He is 1.73 meters tall and primarily plays as a right-wing back. He can also play as a right winger or left winger.

Vázquez joined the youth academy of his hometown club Curtis at the age of 9, and joined Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica youth academy at the age of 16. He began to play for Real Madrid C team in 2011 and Real Madrid B team in August 2012, winning the Spanish Segunda División B once.

In August 2014, Vázquez was loaned-out to Espanyol, during which he reached the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with the club.

After returning to the club following his loan spell in the summer of the following year, Vázquez completed his Real Madrid first-team debut by coming on as a substitute in September 2015.

During his 18-year spell with Los Blancos, Vázquez played 402 times for Real Madrid across all competitions, scored 38 goals and provided 73 assists, during which he has led the club to win the La Liga 4 times, the Champions League 5 times, the UEFA Super Cup 3 times, the FIFA Club WorldCup 3 times, the Supercopa de España twice and the Copa del Rey once.