Former Real Madrid midfielder discusses challenging two-season stint – ‘I left to enjoy football again’ | OneFootball

In a recent interview with AS, former Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi shared his reflections on his two-season stint with the club, discussing the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned during that period.

Illarramendi’s decision to leave Real Sociedad and join Real Madrid was a dream move for the young midfielder, but the reality proved to be more difficult than expected.

After two years at the Spanish capital, Illarramendi admitted that he struggled to make a significant impact at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“After my two seasons at Madrid, I saw that I was getting fewer and fewer opportunities. Every footballer loves to play, and when that’s not happening, you have to consider your future,” Illarramendi said.

“The move to Madrid was a unique opportunity for me to be at one of the best clubs in the world. But things didn’t go as I expected, and after two years, I decided to call it quits.”

Illarramendi explained that after those challenging years, he made the decision to return to Real Sociedad, where he could regain his confidence and enjoy football again.

“I didn’t hesitate to return home and be with my people, to regain the confidence I’d lost in myself and be able to enjoy football again.” he added.

The weight of responsibility and expectations

Asier Illarramendi only played two seasons at Real Madrid. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)

Reflecting on his age and the immense pressure at Madrid, Illarramendi revealed that his youth and the responsibility that came with being at a club like Madrid might have been factors in his struggles.

“I was only 23 years old. It was the first time I had left home, and at Madrid, you always have an extra responsibility,” Illarramendi said.

At such a young age, it was clear that he wasn’t prepared for the weight of expectations that came with being at Los Blancos.

“There are a lot of eyes on you. The club has fans all over the world and a huge impact. I didn’t give my best performance.” Illarramendi acknowledged.

Is Madrid the right place for young players?

Illarramendi failed to make an impact at Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Illarramendi’s experience highlights the challenges young players face when joining a club as demanding as Madrid.

He explained that while some players, like Rodrygo and Vinicius, thrive at the club, others find it difficult to meet the expectations.

“There are youngsters who arrive and succeed like Rodrygo and Vinicius, and there are others who don’t and who find it difficult.

“At Madrid, you have to win every game and respond. It’s not easy to withstand that pressure,” Illarramendi commented.

Real Madrid and the threat of Mbappe

Illarramendi said Mbappe, Vinicius and Rodrygo are threats. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The conversation also touched upon the current dynamics at Real Madrid, particularly the potential addition of Kylian Mbappe.

Illarramendi acknowledged that Mbappe would be a significant threat to any team, but he also highlighted the danger posed by Vinicius and Rodrygo.

“He may be the big threat, but so are Vinicius and Rodrygo. They are the best in the world. We’ll have to keep more than one eye on them.

“Also, sometimes they get left behind up top, and you can hurt them on the counter,” he noted.