Football is a sport that has its fair share of drama and intrigue. One such instance was the departure of Asier Illarramendi from Real Madrid in 2015.
The Spanish midfielder had made a name for himself in his youth, playing for Real Sociedad before moving to the Galacticos. Fans were shocked when he left the club just two years after signing with them. In this article, we will dive deep into why Illarramendi left Madrid.
Background on Illarramendi
Before we discuss the reasons behind his departure, let’s take a moment to understand who Asier Illarramendi is and his career trajectory.
Born on March 8, 1990, in Mutriku, Spain, Asier Illarramendi began his footballing career at Antiguoko KE’s youth academy. He later joined the youth setup at Real Sociedad in 2008 and made his professional debut in 2010. He became a crucial part of their midfield over the next few seasons before being bought by Real Madrid for €32 million in 2013.
Illaramendi’s Time at Real Madrid
Illaramendi joined Los Blancos during a period when they were undergoing significant changes. Carlo Ancelotti had taken over as coach, and Florentino Perez was looking to build another Galacticos team. With players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Karim Benzema already on board, the addition of Illaramendi was expected to provide stability to their midfield.
Unfortunately for Illaramendi and Real Madrid fans alike, things didn’t go according to plan. Despite being touted as one of Spain’s most promising young talents when he signed for Madrid, he struggled to make an impact at the club. Injuries also hampered his progress.
The Reasons Behind His Departure
So why did Illaramendi leave Madrid? The answer lies in a combination of factors, both personal and professional.
- Limited Playing Time: Illaramendi struggled to secure a starting spot in the team. He was competing with established stars like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who were preferred by Ancelotti.
- Pressure: The expectations that came with playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world weighed heavily on Illaramendi.
He felt the pressure to perform and live up to his price tag.
- Personal Reasons: Despite being away from home for several years, Illaramendi was not keen on leaving Spain. He reportedly missed his family and friends back home.
Illaramendi’s Next Move
After two seasons at Real Madrid, Illaramendi returned to Real Sociedad in 2015. The move provided him with an opportunity to get more playing time and be closer to his loved ones. Since returning to San Sebastian, he has been a key figure for the club, helping them achieve their best finish since 2003 last season.
In Conclusion
Asier Illaramendi’s departure from Real Madrid was unexpected but not entirely surprising. His struggles on the pitch combined with personal reasons made it difficult for him to continue at one of Europe’s biggest clubs. However, despite this setback, he has bounced back at Real Sociedad and continues to be a vital figure for them.