La Liga striker reflects on his time at Real Madrid – ‘I’ll always be grateful’ | OneFootball

Hugo Duro has now completed five seasons at Valencia and is one of the most experienced players in the squad.

The forward joined Los Che from his boyhood club Getafe, but prior to that he spent a season on loan with Real Madrid Castilla.

Indeed, Duro was on loan at Castilla during the 2020/21 season and was even called up to the Real Madrid first team during the campaign following injuries to Karim Benzema and Mariano Diaz.

The Spanish striker went on to make three appearances for the Merengues senior team, while he played 20 times for Castilla, scoring 12 times.

In a recent interview with El Mundo (h/t AS), Duro reflected on the season he spent at Real Madrid, expressing gratitude to the club and some of the senior players such as Sergio Ramos.

“They treated me wonderfully during the months I was there because of Mariano and Benzema’s injuries,” said Duro.

Hugo Duro (R) during his time at Real Madrid. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

“I’ll always be grateful, especially to Sergio Ramos, who took me in like a son, and that’s a huge advantage,” he added.

Talking about Benzema, he further noted: “You can learn everything and nothing from Benzema. Even if you watch him and want to do something, it’s very difficult. He’s a unique talent.”

Real Madrid opted not to make Duro’s signing permanent despite him impressing with Castilla. And, he returned to Getafe before eventually signing for Valencia.

When asked if he felt envious of players like Thiago Pitarch, who has now become a first-team regular at Real Madrid under Alvaro Arbeloa after impressing with Castilla, Duro replied:

“Not at all. They’ve had to work very hard. In my case, thanks to Real Madrid not wanting me, I’m at Valencia.”

Since joining Valencia, Duro has faced Real Madrid nine times across all competitions, scoring five goals in the process.