Asier Illarramendi has reflected on the difficulty he faced in deciding to leave Real Sociedad to accept a move to Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old has been confirmed by his San Sebastian employers as on his way to the capital, after Los Blancos deposited €39m at the Spanish Football League’s offices to buy out his contract.
Whilst acknowledging his pleasure in his destination, the midfielder admitted that leaving Anoeta made it a tough choice to make.
“I became aware of the interest whilst on holiday, there was contact, the only ones I spoke to were my agents” explained Illarramendi at a Press conference called today.
“I spoke with my people, we considered it and I thought, this is a unique and irresistible offer.
“I feel the colours of La Real and will always be a fan, I struggled a bit to make this decision, but it is a good decision.
“I have been here 12 years and the decision was not easy, I had a hard time deciding.
“Real Sociedad has given me everything and I am what I am because of La Real. I have been here 12 years, I arrived here as a child and have matured into a man.
“I want to give thanks to the directors, the Coaches in the youth team, my teammates, I wish them all well.
“They have helped me a lot and have been understanding with me. I hope that they will accomplish great success, I wish luck to [new Coach] Jagoba [Arrasate], who is a great person and a great Coach.
“I prefer to say that this is a ‘see you later’. This will always be my club.
“I have been saturated these last few days with a lot of tension, and now I undertake a new stage that I will give everything to.
“It will be different [at Madrid], there will be more media attention, but I will give everything in every training session.”
