Isco will leave Real Madrid as a free agent at the end of the 2021-2022 season, according to the club’s manager Carlo Ancelotti.
In the summer of 2013, the La Liga heavyweights recruited Isco from Malaga for an initial fee of €27 million. Since then, the midfielder has made 352 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Isco appears to have played his final game for Real Madrid against Real Betis on Friday night, nine years after joining the club from Malaga. He has struggled for playing time at the Santiago Bernabeu this season, although he played 20 minutes in the team’s 0-0 tie with Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
Isco’s debut at the Bernabeu on Friday could be his last as a Real Madrid player. When his contract expires at the end of the season, the Spaniard is expected to quit Los Blancos.
Isco’s nine-year affiliation with the La Liga champions has now come to an end, according to Ancelotti. The Italian coach acknowledged that the 30-year-old could have ‘done more’ at the Spanish club but expressed his gratitude to the player.
“I remarked to Isco earlier that he made his debut in my first game here at Madrid and scored a header,” he said at a press conference. “This marks the conclusion of a wonderful Real Madrid career.
“Yes, he could have done more, but in recent years, he has been an integral component of this team. He has appeared in crucial games and finals. He’s always done well in the competition and proven his worth. I wish him the best of luck.”
This season, Isco has appeared in 17 games for Los Blancos, scoring two goals in the process.
Isco played 352 matches in all competitions during his nine-year stay at the Bernabeu. In those games, the former Malaga forward scored 53 goals and added 56 assists.
With the help of the Spaniard, Los Blancos have won 18 trophies. He was a member of the Real Madrid team that won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
Isco has four Champions League championships to his name with Real Madrid. If the team beats Liverpool in the final on May 28th, he might collect another winner’s medal, but it’s worth remembering that he has yet to appear in the competition this season.
It remains to be known where the midfielder’s future lies. He may be tempted to move abroad after just playing in Spain thus far.
