Ceballos: "I would never sign for Barcelona"
The Real Madrid player was a guest on Cadena SER's 'El Larguero' programme and spoke about his chances of returning to Real Madrid under Ancelotti.
Dani Ceballos was a guest on Cadena SER's El Larguero programme and spoke about his chances of returning to Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti among other issues.
Chances of being called up for Euro 2020? "All of us have the possibility of being called up. Obviously, playing at the Euros and having the chance to train alongside my national team mates would be something I'd enjoy. I'd like it to happen but it's not down to me".
Will you continue at Real Madrid? "I think that during the past year, I have toughened up as a player and I think now's the moment to be at one club with a long-term contract and show what I am capable of. Ancelotti has only recently arrived and we have to sit down and talk. I never coincided with him, but other players have said nice things about him. I am sure he will do well at Madrid".
Zidane's departure: "Those of us who know what Zidane has done for Real Madrid know that it's a shame that he has left. None of us stay in one place forever. I think Zidane was always very clear with me. He told me that I was a player for the future at Real Madrid. I asked him to let me go out on loan and he told me that one year at Real Madrid was like eight years at another club. That helped me to become the player I am today".
What did you lack when you joined Real Madrid? "I was very young. I'd be an important player at Betis and joined a club that had just won the Champions League so it was very difficult for me to get into the side. I had a good debut against Alavés and scored a couple of goals, but it was difficult to earn a regular place. Players get older and now I'm 24 and I'm a better player than I was before".
Which club did you enjoy playing for the most? "The most satisfying for me was Betis, because I've been a Betis fan since I was a boy. Under Arteta I was settled at Arsenal and also comfortable with the national team. But it was at Betis under Víctor Sánchez del Amo that I enjoyed myself the most".
If you had offers from PSG, Juve and Barcelona, which one would you choose? "I'd never go to Barcelona because I am a Real Madrid player and my dream is to succeed at Madrid.
Kanté: "Some people think he is a defensive player, but he does everything well when he has the ball at his feet. He is a very complete player".
What are your hopes for this year? "Obviously, the first thing I need to do is to talk to the coach and find out what he wants from me as well as tell me what I expect, which is to be an important member of the team. I'm not in the squad for Euro 2020 and in a couple of years, it's the World Cup. I need to chat to him so that everything is clear for both of us".
Staying at one club for a long time: "Being immersed in the dynamics of a club with a long-term contract and always being out on loan are two completely different things. I miss the stability. It's something I haven't had for the past two years and I want to be settled, play football and be happy".
Do you want to stay on at Arsenal? "Arteta is a coach who came into the job after several years as Guardiola's assistent. In a few years' time, he will be one of the best coaches around, but I would prefer to return to LaLiga".
Would you sign for Sevilla? "Sevilla is a great club, but no, I'd never play for Sevilla".
Is it obvious when a coach doesn't rate or like a player? "You might have some idea, but it's difficult. It's difficult to put yourself in Zidane's position. The coaching job at Real Madrid is the toughest job in the world".
Did you send Zidane any well wishes? "I couldn't because I didn't have his telephone number, but I'm sure we'll cross paths at some point in the future".