The 24-year-old schemer – in the Spain squad for the Tokyo Olympics – has not yet met with new coach Carlo Ancelotti, but when he does, he is keen to put across his determination to stay in the Spanish capital.
Ceballos is in a similar situation to when Zidane as a coach
Dani Ceballos is determined to carve himself a spot in the Real Madrid first XI this season. The 24-year-old schemer – in the Spain squad for the Tokyo Olympics – has not yet met with new coach Carlo Ancelotti, but when he does, he is keen to put across his determination to stay in the Spanish capital. “I’m in a similar situation to when Zinedine Zidane as a coach,” Ceballos told reporters in a wide-ranging interview. “Things will depend on what I want to do and what the coach wants to do with me. I haven’t had the chance to talk with Carlo yet, but I’m sure we’ll be frank with one another when I do. “I aim to play for Real Madrid, and I’ve got two years left on my contract to do so.”
Real Betis is the club where Dani got his opportunity
Ceballos spent the previous two seasons on loan at Arsenal, but though he enjoyed the experience, he doesn’t see himself returning to England. “I have a lot of love for all the Arsenal fans; it was an unforgettable time there,” he said. “The Premier League is extremely competitive and physical, but for me, LaLiga Santander is a better fit. It’s slower, with more time on the ball and more creativity. “I was able to adapt to England because I can run a lot, but it so ends to end, and I prefer how it is in Spain”. Ceballos is only 24, but he is already looking ahead in his career and dreaming of returning to Real Betis – where he made his name – before he hangs up his boots. “What can I say about Betis? It’s the club where I got my opportunity,” he noted.
“It’s where I had the chance to become a footballer – and that was everything for me. I’m sure I’ll come back to Betis before I retire. I watched all their games when I was in England. And if they were on at the same time as my games with Arsenal, I recorded them. I love seeing players like Juan Miranda come out of the academy and develop a bit like me. I owe the club everything, and my affection for them is unique.”