Asier Illarramendi has said San Sebastian will always be his home and he will always have a soft spot for Real Sociedad despite being jeered on his return with Real Madrid.
The youngster, who signed for Los Blancos last summer, scored the opening goal at Anoeta on the stroke of half time and was booed by the home fans. He didn’t celebrate the goal because of the respect he has for his former clubs and their supporters.
Los Merengues went on to win 4-0 to keep in the hunt for the La Liga title with Atletico de Madrid and Barcelona.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Illarramendi said he expected a hot reception but didn’t let it bother him, as he was focused on picking up the three points.
“Going home is always special. In expected the crowd to whistle, because they don’t like what I did, it’s what happens. I was focused on the match, which is what I had to do. I’m happy with the victory. There aren’t many games left now and our job is to win and hope that Barcelona and Atlético slip up,” he said.
He went on to talk about the respect he feels for the Basque club and thanked them for giving him a chance to make it as a footballer.
He stated: “At Real I gave everything I had, the opportunity came up to go to Real Madrid and I took it. Now I’m trying to enjoy myself. San Sebastián has always been my home, Real Sociedad gave me everything.”
Yeah it’s always difficult to play against a team that made u who u are today but that’s life u move on and look what the future will bring.Keep it up asier illarramendi.