Theo Hernandez: “I lacked confidence at Madrid, I came to Sociedad to give everything and be Theo again”

After what has seemed like an eternity, Theo Hernandez’s four game suspension has finally ended and a return to the Sociedad starting XI may be on the cards as they travel to Madrid to face Atletico. It will certainly be an interesting affair, should Theo be restored to the team, as the scars of his move still linger with the colchoneros. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Theo spoke about how he may be received at the Wanda Metropolitano, “It will not be the best atmosphere. After being at Atletico nearly all my life, and then going to Madrid—the fans did not like it. But these are things that happen in football. What the fans say will not affect me” he commented.

The youngster spoke at length about his decision to swap Atletico for Real Madrid: “It was very complicated, it was not an easy decision. I had to think about everything that could happen, but when Madrid said they wanted me, I didn’t have to think much. It’s the greatest club in the world. I had a very hard time at the beginning of the year, when I was at Real Madrid, but now I know what Madrid is and what it takes to succeed” Theo continued to talk about some of the struggles he faced last season, “ It was complicated when I first arrived, I was only 19 years old and to be thrown into a team like that is difficult. I had criticism from all angles, everything I did was wrong. But as the months went by, I found myself more calm, happier. It’s true, I lacked confidence—when you don’t play that’s normal, and you aren’t happy” he explained.

It was Theo who pushed for a loan move in the summer, not the club. The former Alaves sensation, wanted to recoup the form that made him one of the most desired young players in all of world football. He reiterated as much with Mundo Deportivo, “I came here to give everything and return to be Theo again”. Theo’s start to the season has not mirrored the success of other Real Madrid loanees like Achraf or Oscar, but a good performance against Atletico this weekend will place him back on the right developmental track.