Five reasons why Isco didn't want to leave Real Madrid
The decision of the club to keep hold of James and put their faith in Asensio saw Isco put on the transfer market. In the end though, he stayed. These were his reasons:
Real Madrid’s decision to keep James and Zinedine Zidane’s wish to make Marco Asensio his playmaking protagonist resulted in Isco being put on transfer market at the end of August, with Tottenham being quickly installed as favourite to take the Malagan out on loan. However, in the end, Isco ending up staying in the Spanish capital (he never wanted to leave in the first place). Here, AS explores the five reasons why Isco remains at the Bernabéu to fight for his place:
Belief
Isco has confidence in his ability and believes he can play regularly this season. Over the past couple of years, Isco has been a major protagonist in the Real Madrid team over certain phases of the season as well as spending his fair amount of time on the bench. The Malagan understands that becoming an undisputed member of the staring 11 has its complications, but knows he can get minutes in a campaign comprising of many games and different competitions. Last season he played more than James and he isn’t worried that Asensio’s arrival will change that situation. Competition for places is tough, and Isco is prepared to put up with some spells amongst the substitutes.
Zidane
The Frenchman was the first person to assure of Isco’s continuation at the club. As early as 1 June, Zidane came out to say that “Isco is staying”. During the summer, however, a section of Madrid’s hierarchy insisted that Isco be put on the market before James, though Zidane always made his preference for Isco clear. He gave Isco a starting birth in Real Madrid’s first official game of the season in the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla, while James was placed on the bench. Isco knows that he can count on Zidane’s support, and although he’s not always first choice, Isco has always been at least one of Zizou’s primary replacements.
Popularity
Isco is a player who’s well liked and admired in the changing room. His teammates call him ‘Magic’ owing to his outstanding talents, while captain Sergio Ramos was quick to publicly declare his delight that Isco would remain at the Bernabéu (“Him staying here is good news for Madrid”).
Bernabéu
For as popular as Isco is with the players, he’s even more popular with the fans. Since his arrival at the Bernabéu he’s been lauded with numerous ovations and wowed supporters with his unbelievable control and quality on the ball. Some even booed Ancelotti when he substituted Isco. While the good relationship Isco has with fans perhaps cooled a little after he was booed following the defeat to Wolfsburg, that was an incident where jeers weren’t just reserved for the midfielder, but for aimed at the whole team. Real Madrid of course came back to win La Décima, of course, so all was forgotten.
Offers
There weren’t actually any formal offers made for Isco, although various teams were interested in the player. While Juventus and Milan were the first clubs to snoop around, the footballer’s thoughts on going to Italy were negative. It was the same when Tottenham became interested at the last minute, and even old club Malaga – which holds a special place in his heart – couldn’t tempt him away. Isco simply wanted to stay at Madrid, and now it’s his intention to renew a contract that will run out in 2018.