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Illarramendi's career with Real Madrid is over after just two seasons at the club. Illarra has made his return to Real Sociedad on a loan deal that will become permanent next year. Real Sociedad will reportedly pay €15 million then, a good deal considering that Los Blancos paid €32 million for a player whose career went downhill ever since he joined Real Madrid.
The Basque midfielder was expected to be Xabi Alonso's successor but a big mistake during Real madrid's 2-0 loss against Borussia Dortmund ended up severely hurting his confidence. He is a good player who simply wasn't mature or ready enough to face the pressure of being Real's midfielder. Illarra is the living proof that an elite player needs more than a good skill set to succeed in the sport.
Illarra will likely be a starter in this Real Sociedad team and many fans will be keping an eye on his performances to see if he can play like his old self now.