"Many friends have passed it on to me" - Serie A star breaks silence on links with a move to Real MadridÂ
AS Roma defender Mario Hermoso has admitted that he is aware of the reports of Real Madrid's interest in him. A Los Blancos youth product, the centre-back left the door open for a return to Santiago Bernabeu, saying it was an honor to be linked with them.
Speaking to AS, Hermoso revealed his friends passed on reports of Real Madrid's interest in him. He also recalled playing for their famed LA Fabrica academy and said:
"Yes, yes. I've read about it. Many friends have passed it on to me. It has happened in several markets. Whenever you are linked with big teams it is an honor. I was in their youth academy and I'm grateful for everything they contributed to my training."
When quizzed about academy players failing to break into the team at Bernabeu, he added:
"It happened to me. I couldn't have continuity in the first team, but that allowed me to go to Espanyol and I'm very proud of my time there. I gave everything I had and they gave me everything they had. I will always have spectacular memories and I felt very loved. In Madrid, there are kids in the youth academy with great potential. I hope they can take advantage of the opportunity if they have it."
The Spaniard hinted that he could return to Spain in the future and said:
"I am 29 years old, most of my career has been in Spain, I like La Liga football and being in your country makes everything easier. I can't close the door on returning to Spain."
Real Madrid are reportedly looking to sign a defender in the January window and have been linked with AL-Nassr's Aymeric Laporte. Manager Carlo Ancelotti is said to be on the lookout for a defender following Eder Militao's ACL injury.
Real Madrid told to trust academy players by former player
Former Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez has urged the club to trust their academy and not sign any new player in the January window. He believed it was the best time to give the youngsters first-team opportunities and said in an interview with COPE (via Yahoo):
"I would love for Madrid not to sign anyone and bet on academy boys. The youth team needs opportunities and now is the perfect time."
He also backed Sergio Ramos to make a return to Bernabeu if the opportunity came up. He added:
"He is a Madrid legend and a friend of mine, it would be great to see him again."
Multiple reports suggest Real Madrid have no plans to bring Ramos back to the club.