Jesus Vallejo spoke to the media in the mixed zone after the pre-season friendly against Milan in the United States. The central defender confirmed his intention to remain in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad even if it means accepting a secondary role.
Jesus Vallejo, who started for Real Madrid in their friendly against Milan, said that his goal is to stay at the club and be ready to play when his time comes.
“The objective is to be available for as many games as possible to lend a hand, to help out, to give a bit of competition to the great centre-backs we have here. Just prepare well because there are going to be moments for everyone with how long the season is going to be,” he said in the mixed zone after the 1-0 defeat at Soldier Field in Chicago (USA).
The defender from Zaragoza returned to Madrid this season after his loan spell at Granada and, against Milan, played the first half in a central defensive pairing with Antonio Rudiger. “I felt very good there with ‘Rudi’ at the back. The truth is that playing with these team-mates is a privilege because they give you tremendous confidence in everything you do,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to pile on the training sessions, games and getting ourselves ready for what is going to be a very long season, but a very beautiful one,” he added. Vallejo acknowledged that things didn’t go well for him during his loan spell at Granada, where he played an anecdotal role.
“I always try to work as hard as possible. As last season didn’t go very well, I tried to take few holidays because I saw that I didn’t need to…”, he admitted with a smile. “What I needed was to integrate into what was a team dynamic, competition. It’s been great for me to be here on the tour, to be out on the pitch, to continue to get that rhythm that every footballer needs”, he said.
Asked if he will stay at Madrid, Vallejo responded firmly. “Yes, of course. That’s been my objective from the first day I started the pre-season as one of the players. Willing to help, to lend a hand in everything (…). I’ve always felt very good with this team, with this coaching staff. This year, more of the same: ready and prepared because it’s going to be a year of competing a lot”, he said.