Illarramendi backs Carvajal amid criticism: 'He's a top bloke who'll bounce back'
Former Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi defends Dani Carvajal while reflecting on his own challenging spell at the Bernabéu and his new life in Hong Kong.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi has staunchly defended Dani Carvajal during a candid interview, while also opening up about his own challenging spell at the Bernabéu and his surprising new adventure in Hong Kong.
Life in Hong Kong after Madrid spotlight
The Basque midfielder, now plying his trade in Asia, revealed how his unexpected move came about after his stint in the United States didn’t pan out as planned.
“I spoke with Íñigo Calderón who explained the project and life here, and truth be told, we’re delighted,” Illarramendi explained, having spent eight to nine months without a club after his American experience ended.
The former Real Sociedad man has certainly had a varied career path - from San Sebastián to Madrid, then Dallas, and now Hong Kong - quite the journey for the lad from Mutriku.
Real Sociedad’s crucial week
When asked about La Real’s massive upcoming fixtures - the Copa del Rey derby against Athletic Club followed by a league visit to the Bernabéu - Illarramendi was crystal clear about which match carries more weight:
- The Basque derby takes precedence for him emotionally
- He believes it’s a “very important match” with a final within reach
- He expressed confidence in his boyhood club’s recent improvement
Illarramendi acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining standards after Imanol Alguacil’s successful tenure but praised the team’s recent resurgence and push for European places.
Madrid memories and pressure cooker environment
In one of the interview’s most revealing moments, Illarramendi didn’t hesitate when asked whether winning the Copa with Real Sociedad or the Champions League with Madrid brought him more joy - the Copa triumph with his boyhood club won hands down.
“When you win something with the club of your life, it feels more yours,” he reflected.
On his challenging spell at the Bernabéu, Illarramendi was refreshingly honest:
- He struggled to perform consistently amid immense pressure
- He described Madrid as having “an exam every three or four days”
- Even drawing feels like a defeat in the white shirt
- He arrived at just 23 years old, competing in a star-studded midfield
“I wish I knew then what I know now,” he mused, adding that while he didn’t enjoy the sporting aspect as much as he’d hoped, it was “a very enriching experience” personally.
He also had warm words for Florentino Pérez, who treated both him and his mates like royalty on his presentation day - proper decent that, not what you’d expect from your typical chairman.