Real Madrid, Barcelona Exits Show Isco and Others the Grass Can Be Greener

Thinking it is one thing, but saying it is another. In the hyper-intensive world that is Real Madrid, where every word is scrutinised like nowhere else, every development can be seen through a political prism and the swirl of self-interest never subsides, being candid is fraught with risk. But Isco went for it anyway.

“I’m 24, and if I don’t find a place in the starting XI, I’d like to move on,” he told COPE (h/t AS). “I’m happy in Madrid, but what footballers want is to progress, and if I can’t here, I wouldn’t have a problem in looking for an exit.”

Those lines came in the aftermath of Madrid’s fourth consecutive draw, which came against Eibar prior to the international break. Isco had been awarded a rare start amid injuries to others and had struggled. The Bernabeu had whistled him, despite having long adored him. It had the feel of an end approaching, and that can be hard to deal with. 

If Real Madrid has often appeared otherworldly from the outside, some of those who’ve been within it have been happy to confirm as much. Michael Owen once wrote in the Telegraph, “You float like you are an angel out on to that pitch.” More recently, Alvaro Arbeloa went into maxed-out-eulogy mode when discussing what it’s like to depart football’s nirvana.

“It’s difficult to leave Real Madrid and choose another destination,” Arbeloa told COPE (h/t ESPN FC) after his move to West Ham United. “It’s like leaving heaven and having to choose a place on Earth.”

Arbeloa has a connection with Madrid like few others, and his line neatly describes the emotional difficulty of moving on as a player.

Like Barcelona, Real Madrid represents one half of football’s pinnacle. Stepping away theoretically means the best is behind you, and for players who’ve spent their lives getting there, players who possess a drive the rest of us will never fully understand, such a blow is tough to grasp.

That’s what Isco is facing up to. Much can still change, and there are other angles one can read into. But his frank assessment suggests he’s preparing for life after Madrid if it comes to that. Encouragingly for him, recent evidence says there’s plenty of it to be found.

Though leaving La Liga’s giants is often presented as a step backward, it doesn’t turn out that way for many. Some relish their escape from the swirl, …

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