Dani Ceballos announces departure from Real Madrid after seven seasons
Madrid, June 27
Midfielder Dani Ceballos announced on Friday that he will leave Real Madrid after seven seasons with the Spanish giants.
The 29-year-old joined the club from Real Betis in 2017 and went on to make 215 appearances, winning 16 trophies, including three UEFA Champions League titles, as per Reuters.
Ceballos also spent two seasons on loan at Arsenal between 2019 and 2021.
"It has not been an easy decision," Ceballos said in a statement on X.
"It has not been an easy year either, and perhaps that is precisely why I have felt that the time had come to put an end to this stage and face a new challenge with the same enthusiasm with which I arrived one day."
Real Madrid confirmed his departure in a statement, thanking the Spaniard for his contribution.
"Real Madrid thanks Dani Ceballos for his commitment and dedication during his time defending our jersey, and we wish him and his entire family the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives. Real Madrid is and will always be his home."
Ceballos struggled for consistent game time in his final season at Madrid due to injuries, making 23 appearances across all competitions and starting just four LaLiga matches.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Seven seasons, 16 trophies, three Champions Leagues... not bad for a player who was never a guaranteed starter. He was a solid squad player when fit. Wishing him all the best for his next chapter! 🇪🇸⚪
Class act from Madrid to release such a warm statement. Ceballos was a victim of the midfield depth at Real: Modric, Kroos, Camavinga, Valverde, Bellingham... no wonder he couldn't break through. He'll be a great signing for a La Liga or Premier League mid-table team.
As a Madrid fan, I always felt he had the technical ability but lacked the physicality and consistency. His loan at Arsenal showed his quality in patches. But being a rotation option at the Bernabeu is brutal - you need to be world-class every time you step on the pitch. All the best, Dani!
16 trophies in 7 seasons is insane. He might not have been a superstar, but he contributed to some legendary Madrid teams. The injury bit is sad - he was finally getting some rhythm in 2022-23 before getting hurt. Hope he goes back to Betis and finishes his career there.
The statement from Real Madrid is so graceful - 'Real Madrid is and will always be his home.' This is why they are the biggest club in the world, the way they treat their players even when they leave. Ceballos can hold his head high with all those medals.
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