Spain International Marco Asensio has said his goodbye to fans of Real Madrid after revealing his decision to exit the club on a free transfer this summer.
Asensio joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2015 for €3.9 million from Real Mallorca, putting pen-to-paper on a six year deal with the side.
The 27-year-old afterwards spent a season long loan with Espanyol and following his return to Madrid, he became an integral member of the squad.
The Spaniard has made 285 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions scoring 61 goals in the process.
Marco Asensio started 144 of those 285 matches and he has now confirmed his exit from The Merengues after the expiration of the campaign.
Paris Saint Germain has been mooted as a possible next destination for the man who scored in the 2017 UEFA Champions League final against Juventus.
Some teams that are interested in Marco Asensio
Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have also been reported to be interested in the Spaniard.
Additionally, several Italian teams are said to be admiring the prospect of luring him to the Serie A.
He put out a lengthy speech via social media bidding farewell to the fans and thanking his teammates, the club’s president Fiorentino Perez, and Real Madrid in general.
Marco Asensio said: “Dear madridistas, today I address you with a lump in my throat and a heart full of mixed feelings.
“Since I was very young, Real Madrid became my passion, my dream and my most cherished goal.
“And I have had the privilege of making this dream come true during these wonderful years.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Real Madrid, to its president, to its board, to the coaches and to all the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make this club such a special institution.
“I would also like to mention my teammates. Together, we have lived moments of glory, fought in every battle and celebrated unforgettable victories.
He added: “But I cannot forget the real reason to be part of Real Madrid, its incredible fans.
“You are the soul and the engine of this club. Your passion, your encouragement and your unconditional love are what drive us to give our all in every game and to live unforgettable nights that I will always carry with me.
“However, the time has come where I have to make a difficult decision. I have decided to embark on a new direction in my career in search of a project in which I can achieve new goals.
“Thank you, dear madridistas, for all your unconventional support. We will meet somewhere along this beautiful soccer road.
“I would also like to mention my teammates. Together, we have lived moments of glory, fought in every battle and celebrated unforgettable victories.
“But I cannot forget the real reason to be part of Real Madrid, its incredible fans. You are the soul and the engine of this club.
“Your passion, your encouragement and your unconditional love are what drive us to give our all in every game and to live unforgettable nights that I will always carry with me.
“However, the time has come where I have to make a difficult decision. I have decided to embark on a new direction in my career in search of a project in which I can achieve new goals.
“Thank you, dear madridistas, for all your unconventional support. We will meet somewhere along this beautiful soccer road.”
Real Madrid also shared their own farewell message to Marco Asensio, stating: “Real Madrid would like to express its gratitude and affection to Marco Asensio, a player who has defended our badge and our colours for seven seasons.
“He joined Real Madrid when he was just 20 years old and has made history as part of a team involved in one of our most successful eras.
“Marco Asensio has lifted 17 trophies at Real Madrid: 3 European Cups, 4 Club World Cups, 3 Uefa Super Cups, 3 La Liga titles, 1 Copa del Rey and 3 Spanish Super Cups.
“As madridistas we will never forget his career and his outstanding conduct during all this time.
“Real Madrid is and will always be his home, and we wish him and all his family the best of luck in this new chapter in his career.”
Asensio played under managers like Zinedine Zidane, Julen Lopetegui, Santiago Solari and Carlo Ancelotti.
Marco Asensio might not be in action against Athletic Bilbao
Asensio might not be in action when Real Madrid trade tackles with Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu due to a muscle injury.
The 27-year-old has scored 9 goals and provided 6 assists in 30 La Liga appearances but he now has his sights on a fresh challenge.
Marco Asensio started 15 out of those 30 La Liga matches and he has a seemingly impressive goals contribution.
In total across all competitions this campaign, the winger has scored 12 goals and made 8 assists in 50 appearances for Real Madrid.
Who is Marco Asensio?
Asensio is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as an attacker for Real Madrid and the national team of Spain.
Is Marco Asensio married?
No! But probably soon.
Asensio is dating Sandra Garal, a former public relations specialist from Madrid.
They have been dating since the Real Madrid attacker was 23 and they met in 2019.
Marco Asensio’s net worth and salary?
The net worth of Marco Asensio is estimated to be around £40 – 45 million and he earns £118,000 weekly.
How many UEFA Champions League trophies has Marco Asensio won?
Marco Asensio has won 3 UEFA Champions League titles, winning it in 2016/17, 2017/18 and the 2021/22 season.
Marco Asensio rating FIFA 22?
Asensio has got a rating of 83 and a potential of 84 on FIFA 22.
Marco Asensio position and transfer value?
The soon-to-be free agent can play as an attacking midfielder or a winger.
According to Transfermkt, his market value is pegged at €25,000,000.
Marco Asensio and Dua Lipa?
Rumors spread around that Asensio and Dua Lipa spent the night together after the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League final but the 27-year-old British singer debunked the allegations.
Spanish media outlet El Periodico had reported that the pair had been seen together after Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Liverpool in the final, but Dua Lipa replied with a clever response.
She posted on Twitter: “I haven’t even met Marco Asensio and it is highly unlikely I ever will as my Liverpool supporting manager would never forgive me.”
Dua Lipa afterwards replied to a fan who asked: “Where do people get these rumors from though. who makes them up?”
She responded: “I HAVE LITERALLY NO IDEA!”