New Real Madrid signing Jesús Vallejo appeared at a press conference on Monday. The young defender will remain on-loan with Real Zaragoza next season but in the end his move to Madrid does not include a buy-back clause owing to strong opposition from La Liga in its programme of economic control.
“It was the most important decision of my life,” Vallejo began. “At just 18 years of age I have not had the time to take others [decisions], this has been my first important decision. It was difficult, but now I’m calm and happy. The only thing I’m thinking about now is helping Zaragoza, who deserve to be in La Liga. I have been a Zaragoza fan ever since my parents took me to La Romareda and I always will be. I don’t want this to be a farewell because there is still the season ahead.”
Have you called any Madrid players?: “The only Madrid player I’ve talked to is Marco Asensio, my teammate with Spain under-19s. He told me he will help me whenever I need it. For now my head and my heart are with Zaragoza. I will work like I am part of the club. I’m so focused, as I was last year, and I’ll compete well.”
Holidays: “With less time of rest, the better you are. This week I will have my tests and join up with the rest of the group when [coach Ranko] ]Popovic sees fit.”
When he will meet up with Madrid: “I have not talked to Real Madrid about when I have to go there. I imagine that this week or next I will go to meet everyone. I said that I will stay the same when I go into the dressing room. Just because I’ve signed for Real Madrid doesn’t mean I’ll change, I’ll always continue to help my teammates, coaching staff and those who need it. Having signed for Madrid does not give me extra pressure. There was already some focus on me from Europe, now there will be a bit more. When you’re on the pitch all you think about is helping the team. I don’t care that there is added pressure on me.”
Will he continue as Zaragoza captain?: “They are things for the club [to decide], I suppose it will be a decision for the board or the coach.”
What has Popovic said?: “That it’s a great opportunity but at the same time he asked me to give my all. He said that the signing is a positive one for everyone at the club. I am proud to wear the shirt of Real Zaragoza.”
Aims for the season: “The first year was a surprise because I was a young player and I had to prove myself but now I’m no longer just a youth team product. I must demand more of myself, not because I’ve signed for Real Madrid but because I now belong to the first team of Real Zaragoza. I am a Real Madrid player, and that’s great news, but in the day to day I am Real Zaragoza.”
Advantages: “Signing for Real Madrid is a unique opportunity that doesn’t come too often. I did not want to miss that train, the same as I don’t want to miss the train to continue this coming season at Real Zaragoza.”