Marco Asensio knows nothing about rumours suggesting his loan at Espanyol could end in January with an early return to Real Madrid.
Asensio completed a move to Madrid from Real Mallorca at the end of last season, around the same time he inspired the Spain Under-19s to victory in the European Championships, a period he reflects upon fondly.
“Signing for Madrid was a dream come true and to become a champion with the national team was the culmination of a great year, the best time of my career,” he told AS.
“I remember I was very satisfied, because at the time you don’t give it much consideration.
“[The Under-19 players] have settled well in the Under-21s. It’s impossible not to get along with these players.
“Who helped the most at Madrid? I had more of a relationship with the Spaniards, Nacho, Isco… [Alvaro] Arbeloa and [Sergio] Ramos also helped me a lot.
“It was amazing to see all those players [in the Madrid locker room] and to be with them training and playing. But it’s very easy because they’re great players and I was impressed by their human qualities.
“I really wanted to play in the Trofeo Bernabeu. But that’s football and I’m really happy at Espanyol.”
It has been suggested that Madrid could recall Asensio from Cornella-El Prat in the January transfer window, but the player himself is unaware if that’s the plan.
“For now I know nothing. I’m focused on Espanyol and those are just rumours. I know that Madrid follow me and that gives me great confidence,” he noted.
“The motivation is to go back to Madrid. This year is to adapt to the Primera, continue to improve and return to Madrid next year.
“My challenge is to have a good season at Espanyol and get as high as possible in the table. I’m comfortable in [the city of] Barcelona, my teammates welcomed me very well and the fans have also been very good.”
