Chima: I Would Be Happy to Return to Real Madrid, and This is Why I Left
Spanish midfielder Chema Andrés, who moved from Real Madrid to Stuttgart last summer to gain more playing time professionally, confirmed that he would be happy to return to the white club, but emphasized that he is currently focused on his career with the German team.
In an interview with The Athletic, Chima said: "Returning to Real Madrid? That's a decision for the club to make; I would be happy to return to Madrid, but that's not my concern right now. I am very happy in Stuttgart, and I have told my agent that I don't want to think about it at the moment. When the time comes, we will talk and see what options are available."
The player explained the reason for his transfer: "The sports project suited what I wanted: transitioning to professional football and getting the opportunity to gain experience and playing time. I spoke with coach Sebastian Hoeneß, and he convinced me. I felt that he trusted me and wanted me there, and that instilled confidence in me."
Regarding Real Madrid's interest in Stuttgart player Stiller, Chema said: "Everyone knows about Madrid's interest, but we joked a little: 'Are you going there? Should we go there together?'. But he's a fantastic player, and if you watch any Stuttgart match, you'll notice he leads the team. He's a top-class player and can play for any team, and we hope he ends up at Real Madrid or wherever he wants to be."
He spoke about his time working with Arbeloa: "He helped me a lot, he would tell me things as they were, and he always tried to understand me and make me understand the reasons behind his decisions. That's why Arbeloa is the best person I've communicated with. He trusted me when I was going through a difficult time."
Regarding the difference between the Real Madrid and Barcelona academies, he said: "Real Madrid is the best team in the world; playing there is the toughest challenge in football. This fact determines everything: the best players want to go there and usually succeed. For young players, this raises the level significantly, in a context different from Barcelona, which is partially influenced by financial pressures and team dynamics."
He concluded regarding the possibility of being called up to the Spanish national team: "I am realistic about my situation. The Spanish national team is at the highest level in the world, with players like Rodri and Martin Zubimendi, and others who have not yet been called up."
In an interview with The Athletic, Chima said: "Returning to Real Madrid? That's a decision for the club to make; I would be happy to return to Madrid, but that's not my concern right now. I am very happy in Stuttgart, and I have told my agent that I don't want to think about it at the moment. When the time comes, we will talk and see what options are available."
The player explained the reason for his transfer: "The sports project suited what I wanted: transitioning to professional football and getting the opportunity to gain experience and playing time. I spoke with coach Sebastian Hoeneß, and he convinced me. I felt that he trusted me and wanted me there, and that instilled confidence in me."
Regarding Real Madrid's interest in Stuttgart player Stiller, Chema said: "Everyone knows about Madrid's interest, but we joked a little: 'Are you going there? Should we go there together?'. But he's a fantastic player, and if you watch any Stuttgart match, you'll notice he leads the team. He's a top-class player and can play for any team, and we hope he ends up at Real Madrid or wherever he wants to be."
He spoke about his time working with Arbeloa: "He helped me a lot, he would tell me things as they were, and he always tried to understand me and make me understand the reasons behind his decisions. That's why Arbeloa is the best person I've communicated with. He trusted me when I was going through a difficult time."
Regarding the difference between the Real Madrid and Barcelona academies, he said: "Real Madrid is the best team in the world; playing there is the toughest challenge in football. This fact determines everything: the best players want to go there and usually succeed. For young players, this raises the level significantly, in a context different from Barcelona, which is partially influenced by financial pressures and team dynamics."
He concluded regarding the possibility of being called up to the Spanish national team: "I am realistic about my situation. The Spanish national team is at the highest level in the world, with players like Rodri and Martin Zubimendi, and others who have not yet been called up."