Jacobo Ramon talks Real Madrid exit, Gonzalo Garcia, Xabi Alonso, Kylian Mbappe and potential return | OneFootball

Earlier today, it came to light that Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Jacobo Ramon– the young academy defender who left in the summer to develop at Como.

Their interest in the player is linked to the need to reinforce the defence with younger names – something they plan to do not only by signing new names but also by counting on some academy stars.

Ramon, in the sense, is placed very well as he has not only improved considerably but Real Madrid also reserve a buyback clause for him.

Jacobo’s interview

Speaking to AS in a recent interview, the young defender reminisced about his days at Real Madrid and all the growth he experienced at the club over the years.

He began by remembering how he crossed paths with Xabi Alonso when he was in Infantil A and the current first-team manager was then working with the academy team.

“I remember perfectly when he entered the locker room. It was the first time I met a soccer reference like Xabi! It was incredible.”

“He loved the rondos, the games, he was always involved there. And his team always won!” he added.

He then revealed that he and Alonso did not quite get the time to reminisce about their older days and how they had worked together before when they met in the first team.

“Not much, because I was already in the first team. But I was very excited, I saw my progression. It was like closing the circle.”

He was then asked if there were any similarities between the Alonso of the past and the current manager of Real Madrid, to which he said,

“Yes, although we were children. He shaped us more as people. He instilled in us values such as humility, work, and effort.”

“But he already asked for pressure up, to be well organised and have personality with the ball. I was asked to leave from behind. A little bit of what this Madrid is trying,” he added.

On Gonzalo Garcia and Kylian Mbappe

Jacobo Ramon is impressing in Serie A. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Ramon then opened up on Gonzalo Garcia who was his peer in the academy and was always the reference point in attack in the lower levels.

“He was a pain… (laughs). Gonzalo is super powerful and fast. That year, at the beginning he played on the wing and was not even a starter.

“But when they put him as a striker, he began to score goals non-stop.”

Speaking on Garcia’s phenomenal run at the FIFA Club World Cup, the defender said,

“Yes, if I say I expected it, I’m lying. I didn’t expect him to play so much or do it so well.

“In all categories, he had shown many things, but it is not the same as doing with the first team. And I was very happy for him.”

Finally, he was asked about Garcia’s current situation at Real Madrid, to which he said,

“He hasn’t had much prominence, but every time he comes out he shows what he is. Desire to succeed, leaves the soul.”

The youngster then spoke about Kylian Mbappe and how it was to share the dressing room with the French goalscoring monster.

“Crazy. The best in the world. He is very fast. He will score all the goals he wants to.”

When asked if Mbappe was the biggest name he looked forward to meeting in the dressing room when at Real Madrid, Ramon said,

“[Him] and Kroos and Modric. They play something else. From the way they understood soccer, they didn’t miss a pass, they always chose the best.”

“Although the one who surprised me the most was Rodrygo. He was incredible,” he added.

On his chance at Real Madrid

Jacobo Ramon could only make a handful of appearances at Real Madrid. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

At a time when Real Madrid were in a defensive crisis under Carlo Ancelotti, the manager turned to the academy and Jacobo Ramon was an option for the coach.

An untimely injury, however, saw Raul Asencio take that chance and become a regular with the first team.

“It was difficult, because I was in the dynamics of the first team and I just got injured.

“But Raúl (Asencio) had his chance and took advantage of it. And I was very happy, he deserves it,” he said on that topic.

He then spoke on how Ancelotti always valued him during their time together at Real Madrid.

“Always. I think he didn’t dislike me and he made it clear to me. In press conferences too, he defended me.”

“I appreciate it very much. Carlo was close, friendly, he played jokes on us. It was incredible that someone like him treated us like that,” he added.

Remembering his eventual debut under the manager for the first team, a night when he gave away a penalty against Leganes, he said,

“Yes. It was my debut as a starter. I committed a penalty by hand. But I recovered and we won. I have a good memory.”

“It makes you mature, learn. It was my first real game, complete, in the elite. I came out as a better soccer player,” he added.

Looking back at a good memory, he relived how it felt to score the late winner for Real Madrid against Mallorca.

“For me it’s historic! The best day of my life. I have seen the goal many times, but as soon as I left I didn’t remember the play well because of the adrenaline.”

“When I got to the locker room they all screamed a lot and I was dying of shame,” he added.

Ramon was then quizzed on whether he remembered his first training session with the senior team, and he spoke about how it was a special day.

“Of course, I was 18 years old. I was super nervous, imagine. And super happy. Then when I got home, to my father: “I have trained with the first team!” An incredible day.”

After spending a considerable amount of time with the first team, the time arrived when he had to bid adieu to it all and the youngster opened up on how it was not easy.

“It’s not easy. In the end, I am from Madrid, and I separated from my family and friends. Of my life. It’s never easy to say goodbye to Madrid.”

He was then asked if he felt Real Madrid should look towards the academy more, to which he calmly said,

“I understand it perfectly. Madrid is what it is. It has the best and the best, usually they are not the youngest.”

“As in my case, I had to leave to try to have ‘Real Madrid level’. Which is the maximum level,” he added.

On a potential return

Jacobo Ramon wants to return to Real Madrid. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Towards the end of his interview, the player was asked if he knew of Real Madrid keeping an eye on him, and he replied in the negative.

“I don’t notice anything. I’m in the Como super happy. I do what I have to do. And in the future, we’ll see what happens.”

“I don’t know that. I want to work and strive to be one of the best,” he added.

Speaking on Real Madrid’s current form this season and how they have played so far, he said,

“Very good. They are first in the League, with five points over Barça, and they are at the top of the Champions League. You can’t ask for much more.”

“It doesn’t surprise me. It’s Madrid. But if it’s fair, you have to focus on the global. And they are doing very well,” he added, speaking on how Real Madrid’s defeats have been highlighted.

Finally, the player admitted that it would be a dream to return to Real Madrid.

“Now I only think about Como, but for the future it’s a dream, of course,” he concluded.