Kubo: “I’m a true madridista now”

Takefusa Kubo is completing a solid debut season in the Spanish Primera Division. The Japanese wonder kid was expected to play for Real Madrid Castilla during the 2019-2020 campaign but decided to join Mallorca on a loan deal instead. The attacking midfielder explained why he made that decision in an interview with AS.

“During the pre-season stage with Real Madrid I had the chance to play with elite players, top players and I still was able to play my game the right way. That led me to believe that I could play in the Primera Division and Mallorca showed a lot of interest. I was learning a lot from Raul in Castilla and I was very happy, but I could not turn Mallorca’s offer down,” explained the young player.

Kubo also talked about his signing for Real Madrid after playing many years in Barcelona’s academy.

“We knew that many clubs were interested but my family and my agent didn’t want to negotiate anything until my 18th birthday because we had issues with that in the past. As soon as I turned 18 Real Madrid told us that they were coming to Japan, they visited us and that was a nice gesture,” he said.

Kubo also thanked Barcelona for all the years he spent in La Masia.

“First I want to say thank you to Barcelona, Tokyo and Yokohama Marinos. Also to Mallorca and to every teammate I’ve had, every coach that allowed me to be the player I am today. When I turn 18 I had the chance to pick a team and I chose Madrid for that interest they showed. I’m thankful. I’m a true madridista now,” revealed Kubo.

The Japanese wonder kid was solid during the few minutes he got in the pre-season.

“Many people helped me so that I could give my best as quickly as possible. Every teammate treated me very well and also the coaching staff, Zidane specially. He pays attention to every detail and asked me so many questions about my game,” said the talented player.

Kubo wrapped the interview up by describing his game and revealing the spot where he feels he can shine the most.

“It depends on the team’s style and formation but I’m mostly a right winger for Mallorca and I feel very comfortable there, even though my natural position is behind the striker as an attacking midfielder so that I’m able to receive the ball between the lines and either dribble, pass, shoot and those things. That’s my main quality, to receive the ball there and do things. That would be ideal, but I’m also very comfortable on the right wing,” concluded Kubo.