Marco Asensio: “There were moments where I played with pain last season, but I am now at 100% physically”

Marco Asensio is one of the many absent Real Madrid players at Valdebebas this week. The Mallorcan is training with the Spanish Olympic team ahead of their travel to Tokyo to compete for the Olympic gold medal. Asensio took some time out from Spain’s training camp in Alicante to speak with Agencia EFE about a variety of subjects.

The Real Madrid player could not hide his pride at being able to play in the Olympic games. “It is a dream to be able to play in the Olympic games. I am not thinking about vindicating myself, I am only thinking about doing the best I can and helping my teammates. The only thing in our head right now is to try and bring back the gold medal for Spain,” Asensio explained.

The interview provided time to reflect on the 2020/2021 season — a season that provided both high’s and low’s for Asensio after recovering from his ACL injury. “It was a different type of season,” Asensio recalled. “It was the first complete season after the injury. There were bad moments, with pain, and certain periods where I could not train, but after four or five months, I already began to feel good. There was no more pain. The operation is totally forgotten and there is no need to talk about my injury anymore. I am physically at 100% and mentally I am prepared for everything that will come. I have a lot of excitement. This season will be very important for me”.

Both fans of Real Madrid and of the Spanish national team hope to see the best version of Asensio again. A version of the player that can produce at a high level consistently. A player, whom at 21-year-old, was projected to be amongst the elite. When asked if he can return to the best version of himself, Asensio gave a resounding, “Yes!”. “When the injury happened, the only thing I had in my mind was not only to be what I was before, but it was to improve. I have improved in many aspects, especially mentally. There have been some hardships and pain that I have had to overcome, which are normal after an injury of that magnitude, but that is already forgotten — I am fully recovered. I am now just focused on performing at 100% because now I am prepared for it,” Asensio revealed.

When asked about new Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, Marco Asensio disclosed that the two had already spoken over the phone. “Yes, we had a chat before I left to train with the Olympic team. It was short, but a very good conversation. He gave me a good impression. He is a coach with great experience, that has managed at the biggest clubs in the world. I am sure that this season is going to be great”.

The interview ended with Asensio’s thoughts on Zidane and Ramos’ departure as well as his own future. “Zidane was one of my idols. To listen to his advice was something very special. We understood each other, sometimes with just a simple gesture.”

On Sergio Ramos, Marco Asensio commented that the player left “an incredible legacy”. “Ramos leaves as a legend of Real Madrid. He always supported me, he was an example of how to have a great career with a big club and with the Spanish national team. In the end, the years passed and both he and the club have decided to go there separate ways. I wish him all the best and I know he will do well wherever he ends up.”

Lastly, when asked if his future remains at Real Madrid, Marco Asensio gave an emphatic “yes!”.