Real Betis wing-back Junior Firpo has admitted he has always felt ‘close’ to Real Madrid and that his father is a fan of the club.
The comments come a day after a report in Diario AS that Los Blancos were willing to trigger the player’s €50m release clause at the Seville-based club.
“I’m closer to Real Madrid as my father is a Madridista,” Junior told Spanish TV channel Cuatro, as cited by Diario AS.
“We watched them on TV when we first arrived in Spain and for that reason I’ve always felt stronger about them.”
The Dominican-born defender only made his first-team debut at Los Verdiblancos earlier this year but has now established himself as a regular starter, making 33 appearances.
The fresh report states that Madrid are ready to provide a long-term replacement for current incumbent Marcelo and they are willing to activate Junior’s €50m release clause in Seville.
Junior agreed a long-term contract extension at Betis until June 2023 only in August following a series of impressive displays.
Firpo has scored in his most recent three of his last six La Liga appearances – against Celta Vigo, Barcelona and Real Sociedad.
Reports in England have linked both Arsenal and Manchester City to his signature, although the player has stated he sees himself at Betis ‘for many years’.
He is set to miss the club’s upcoming La Liga games against Huesca and Madrid through injury.
