Real Madrid has resigned yet another player to a long-term deal. Yesterday, Marcos Llorente appeared before the media in Madrid to officially announce his new contract to stay with the defending LaLiga and Champions League winners. Here are the details of the deal.
It’s incredible to see Marcos resign after rumors began swirling in mid-August that the Spanish international player was looking to leave Real Madrid after not receiving the playing time he thought he deserved.
Not to mention, Real received nearly two dozen offers from clubs around Europe trying to acquire the signature of the young up and comer. However, the central defensive midfielder feels like he belogns in Madrid and is ready to compete for a starting spot.
Now, Marcos will be a Real Madrid player through 2021 after agreeing to terms over the weekend.
Here’s what he had to say at his press conference yesterday:
"“I am thrilled to extend my contract with Real Madrid. I dreamed of playing here when I was little and it is the club of my life and all of my family. I can’t wait to grow with this club but I must be patient. I am young and I know there is strong competition here, I’m hoping to learn as I go.”"
Llorente has been with the club since 2008 and spent six years in the youth academy. He was promoted to the senior squad in 2014 and has made 5 first team appearances in his career with his most recent coming Saturday in Madrid’s 2-1 win over Alavés.
Llorente spent the 2016/2017 season on loan at Alavés and burst onto the scene as one of the best defensive midfielders in Spain behind Casemiro.
The reception by the Alavés crowd when he came onto the pitch as a substitute in the 71st minute was amazing. “They chanted my name and that was incredible to get that reception,” he said. “It was a great year and I’m very grateful, but life is a series of stages. Going out on a loan was a great moment in my career and did me the world of good. I played in many games, but that time is over and now I’m surrounded by tough competition.”
When asked why he was so quick to re-sign with the club, he spoke of his family history at the club and how he has grown up within the club.
"“In my house, we always speak about being humble and the value of hard work even if you’re already at the biggest club in the world. You still have to give it your all. I’ve managed to keep climbing up the ranks of the club and Real Madrid is the club that has a place in my heart, all of my family have played here”."
Marcos saw his first league appearance come Saturday, and after a solid 20 minutes of play, he might find his way into matches more often in the near future.
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