Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio reveals he could’ve signed for Barcelona ahead of today’s El Clasico… and confirms tennis star and huge Madrid fan Rafa Nadal DID recommend him to LaLiga champions as an 18-year-old
- Marco Asensio signed for Real Madrid as a young hotshot from Mallorca in 2014
- He revealed Rafal Nadal, who supports Madrid, recommended him to the club
- Asensio has also admitted he had the chance to sign for Madrid’s arch-rivals
- The midfielder will likely feature against Barcelona in Saturday’s El Clasico
Real Madrid star Marco Asensio has revealed he almost signed for Barcelona ahead of the first El Clasico of the season.
The Spain international joined Madrid as an 18-year-old wonderkid back in 2014 after making waves at Mallorca.
But the midfielder has now admitted he could have ended up joining Madrid’s fiercest rivals and been lining up on the opposite team on Saturday.
Marco Asensio has revealed he could have signed for Barcelona over Real Madrid
In an interview with AS, asked if it is true he could have signed for Barca, Asensio said: ‘Yes, I could have, but also to other clubs.
‘There are always great clubs interested who ask about your situation. When I signed for Madrid it was all very fast, the treatment was spectacular and they showed incredible interest.
‘When that opportunity presents itself it is impossible to say no.’
The 24-year-old also confirmed that Madrid’s interest around him was initiated by a tip-off from tennis icon Rafael Nadal, who is also a huge supporter of the club.
The 24-year-old, who played in Madrid’s last game against Shakhtar, joined the club in 2014
He added: ‘Rafa really likes football and Madrid. His uncle was part of the sports direction at Mallorca.
He called and said: “There is a very good kid who has to play for Madrid”. It was me and that’s how it started.’
Fitness problems have prevented Asensio’s career from taking flight but the Spaniard is working his way back into Zinedine Zidane’s plans.
Asensio has featured in all of Madrid’s last four matches and will likely play some part in Saturday’s clash with arch-rivals Barcelona.
Tennis star Rafa Nadal recommended Asensio to Madrid when he a young hotshot at Mallorca
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