Football Espana
·26 juillet 2024
19-year-old striker uses Barcelona roots to throw shade at Real Madrid
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·26 juillet 2024
Earlier this summer, Iker Bravo departed Real Madrid following the conclusion of his two-year loan spell. He has returned to Bayer Leverkusen, although he’s expected to leave the reigning Bundesliga champions – this time on a permanent basis – before the end of the summer transfer window.
Bravo’s two seasons at Real Madrid were not easy. He struggled to impose himself in Raul Gonzalez’s Castilla side, which led to him being demoted to the U19s, where he was coached by Alvaro Arbeloa.
Speaking to Cadena SER (via Marca) after helped Spain reach the final of the U19 European Championship, Bravo paid tribute to Arbeloa for the help he received during his final few months at La Fabrica.
“Arbeloa helped me a lot this last year in Real Madrid’s Juvenil A side. Above all, in what has to do away from the pitch.”
Overall, it wasn’t a particularly enjoyable experience for Bravo at Real Madrid, and he made that known during the interview when he aimed a dart at the club – using his Barcelona roots to do so.
“I consider myself a product of La Masia. I was at Barcelona for 10 years, and it’s where I’ve learned everything I am.”
Bravo was on Barcelona’s books until 2021, at which point he headed to Leverkusen. Having experienced both clubs in the Clasico rivalry, it’s safe to say that he prefers the Catalans.