Former Real Madrid starlet opens up on summer exit – ‘Hardest decision of my career’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid bid goodbye to talented midfielder Chema Andres this summer as he signed for Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart.

One of the most promising youngsters to have come through La Fabrica, Chema was held in high regard at Real Madrid and made his senior debut under Carlo Ancelotti.

However, considering the lack of pathway into the first-team roster, the Spanish teenager opted to move on to a new challenge.

Chema Andres reflects on decision to leave

Speaking to Radio MARCA, Chema explained his reasons for moving to Germany, and admitted that leaving the Santiago Bernabeu was one of the hardest decisions of his professional life.

“Leaving Real Madrid was the hardest decision of my career,” said Chema.

“It’s not easy to leave the place that’s been your home for seven years and move to a different country, culture, and language,” he added.

Chema left Real Madrid to join Stuttgart. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

On his choice to move to Germany by signing for Stuttgart, Chema remarked: “It was the option that best suited what I wanted… a big club that showed a lot of confidence in me from the start.

“Life is about new challenges, trying to improve every day… and this was the best place for me.”

In the interview, Chema fondly recalled standout moments from his Real Madrid days, including his Copa del Rey and La Liga debuts, and witnessing the farewells of Luka Modric and Carlo Ancelotti earlier this year.

“It was a privilege to be so close to that historic moment,” noted Chema.

He also praised coaches who shaped his career at Real Madrid, such as Raul Gonzalez, Ancelotti, and Xabi Alonso, describing the latter as  “a friendly, intense coach, and a tactical spectacle.”