Asier Illarramendi On FC Dallas, Real Sociedad And Playing Under Carlo Ancelotti At Real Madrid | OneFootball

You joined FC Dallas in 2023. How much are you enjoying your time in MLS with the club so far?

“I wouldn’t say one specific moment has been special, rather my entire time here has been special. I am really happy living here, spending time in the city of Dallas and training with FC Dallas.

“All the stadiums in the league are beautiful; every team has a fan base. FC Dallas has a nice stadium and passionate fans.

“My favourite road trip was the week we spent in LA when we played the LA Galaxy and LAFC.”

You came through the youth system at Real Sociedad and made your first team debut in 2010/11. How do you reflect on your first spell at the club?

“I came to Real Sociedad at age 12, it was always a dream to debut with my hometown club but when it was starting to become a reality, I started to feel like the dream could come true. It was hard work, but it paid off. At the end of the day, life is not about getting to the finish line but rather enjoying the journey to get to where you want to be.

“I learned a lot from Imanol Idiakez. I was with him for two years in the second team, I was 18, and that was around the time where I learned the most in my career since it was around the time I made the jump to the first team.”

You joined Real Madrid in 2013 under Carlo Ancelotti. What was it like training with Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and others for the first time?

“It was beautiful, I always admired them from afar but that year I had an opportunity I could not say no to. It was surreal to train every day with them, and I had the opportunity to learn a lot, it was an enriching experience for me.”

Just what is it like to represent a club the size of Real Madrid and to play at the Bernabeu in that famous white shirt?

“At the end of the day, Real Madrid is a club that has fans all over the world, its dimension is worldwide. I came from a club that was much humbler, and at Real Madrid, everything you do is done differently.

“Everyone is focused on you, the day-to-day is more intense. When you travel, you are greeted by fans from all over the world. Real Madrid is the best club in the world, there is more pressure when playing for Madrid because of it.”

You won the Champions League and the Copa Del Rey during your time at the club. What are your memories of those occasions?

“The year I arrived at Real Madrid I remember that Sergio Ramos told the younger players that had arrived how lucky we were because the team had been trying to win La Decima for years and we won it during my first year.

“It was a beautiful memory because the Madridistas had been waiting for La Decima for a long time.”

“It was easy to work with Carlo, he delegated the day-to-day to his assistant coaches. He is a coach that is very close to his players, he values the relationship with players. That is something valuable to us players. He creates a great environment.”

You returned to Real Sociedad in 2015 and remained with the club until 2023. How do you reflect on your second spell with the club?

“I think the 2016 season with Eusebio Sacristán Mena is the most special one for me during this second spell with the club. We finished sixth in La Liga, I played a lot that year and we also qualified for the Europa League.

“My final season with La Real also means a lot to me. We finished fourth. They were my final games and I always thought about how the end was near.

“We played our last game at home and they honoured me in that game. It is a memory I have with me forever. I got to say goodbye to the fans in front of my friends and family. Every year has been beautiful but these two are special to me.”

Finally, Asier, you won the Under 21 European Championship with Spain in 2013 and represented the full national team. What are your memories of international football?

“We had a great team during that run. We won every game and obtained the championship. It was a beautiful experience playing against national teams in Israel.

“It was a month of bonding with national team players, Isco, Koke, Nacho, David De Gea. It was a stacked team, and I enjoyed my time.”