Nacho: “I would like you to bet on the youth team”

Nacho is spending his first season away from Real Madrid. His team Al Qadsia are fifth in the Saudi League despite being recently promoted. And while the centre-back is focused on his new team, he is also aware of current events in the Merengues. But the Madrid native is clear that his time in the white team is over. “Real Madrid didn’t call me. What if they call me back? I don’t even think about it, of course. The decision was very clear, knowing that he would play thirty, forty or fifty games again. It didn’t change the idea I had in my head. If I’m invited, I’m very happy here. As a fan, I have to suffer because of Real Madrid.“, he explained in Big game from cope. Ancelotti’s team’s defensive losses or the Ballon d’Or are some of the topics he addressed.

On how Real Madrid will not go to the Ballon d’Or ceremony: “I’m not going to interfere with the club’s decision, the club will have its own reasons. Honestly, I would go to the gala. I think the problem is that the path to victory was paved for Vinicius and it must not be easy to have him practically in your hands and at the last moment you are told no. It must be a very hard stick. It’s very easy for an outsider to tell you, ‘Yes, I would definitely go,’ but you have to be there too.”

Ballon d’Or winner: “Without a doubt, I would give the Ballon d’Or to Vinicius. For me now this is number one. I’m very happy for Rodri as a teammate, as a player and what a good guy he is. “I don’t blame Rodri, who deserves it too.”

Vinicius: “I wrote to Vini and said it would make him stronger. I have never seen a single player who could overcome so many difficulties. I’m sure he will win it in the future.”

Should Real Madrid sign the contract?: “I would like them not to sign anyone and instead rely on local guys. Ultimately, young players will find out if they are ready if given the opportunity. Asensio played a very good game the other day. Careers need opportunities. “If the club and coach are brave, this is the perfect time.”

On the possible return of Sergio Ramos to Real Madrid: “He is a Real Madrid legend and my friend. It would be great to see him back at Real Madrid, but I know absolutely nothing. From what you’re saying in Spain, it doesn’t look good.”

The decision to leave Real Madrid: “When I decided to leave Real Madrid, I knew that I would have to play a lot of matches, but that would not affect my decision. It was very clear inside me. When a person feels that his time has come… I don’t regret anything, I knew what I was doing and I remain firm in my decision. I am very happy with the decision made. There are termination provisions here, I think mine will be small, but I don’t even think they’ll pay the clause for me. Now I feel better, but at first I was shocked by the appearance of Real Madrid on television, it seemed strange to me. I don’t regret my decision at all. Now I support as another Real Madrid fan.

Regarding his absence from the national team: “Of all of us who won the European Cup, the only one who was left out due to a technical decision was me. This surprised me a little. I haven’t spoken to De la Fuente since we won the European Cup. I’d be happy to go. This seems a little strange to me. There are other colleagues who changed teams and countries and continued on their way. This is a question for the coach, I didn’t have any problems with him, but I didn’t talk anymore.”

Saudi League level: “I don’t have to give up the national team, I feel great. Of course, this is not the level of Europe, but here you will face top-level strikers, I can assure you, even if people don’t believe it.”

Change of team: “Don’t lie, I earn a lot more money here than at Real Madrid.” That I came to Arabia just for money? No. I wanted a change in life, a different experience. “I’m not going to argue with those who say I came here for the money.”

Crisis in Madrid: Real Madrid has enormous potential to move forward despite all adversity. I’m not the one who can decide what Real Madrid should do. I’m confident that the decision they make will be the best, just look at the last few years.”

Ancelotti’s situation: “If there is a manager who deserves the trust and respect to handle this situation, it is Ancelotti. He won everything at Real Madrid. He’s the perfect guy when there’s a little crisis, he brings calm to the dressing room. And it doesn’t look like a fiasco now. They are close to fighting for the League, there are a lot of Champions League games left… There are very good people in attack and it is not easy to put the pieces together. Once they press the button, they can be an unstoppable team.”

Mbappe: “Mbappe is one of the best in the world. When you come to a club like Real Madrid, it is difficult to adapt, it has happened to everyone. Playing for Real Madrid is not the same as playing somewhere else. “When it explodes, it will be spectacular.”

He and Kroos are missing:

“When I was at Real Madrid, I felt like a very important player. I know that now that there are no players I will miss, but this club is very big and will move forward. “We left people with a lot of experience and leadership, but I don’t think there is a lack of leadership at Real Madrid. There is Modric, Carvajal, Lucas…”

Madrid matches: “It is true that I no longer follow the League with the same attention as when I was playing, but I watch Real Madrid, they are my team and I am aware of everything. “I pretty much saw every game.”

Great start to Barça’s season: “Barca are very strong and are going to compete very well in the League. It will be a good year… I think Real Madrid will win it.”

Follow Diario AS WhatsApp channelwhere you will find everything about sports in one space: current news of the day, an agenda with the latest news of the most important sporting events, the most striking images, the opinion of the best AS brands, reports, videos, and a little humor from time to time.