Former Real Madrid full-back DaniCarvajal confirmed that his departure from the white club in May was the result of a series of decisions made by coach ÁlvaroArbeloa and the evolution of his career. In an interview with Cope radio, the 34-year-old player explained that, after recovering from an arthroscopy in October, he began to lose relevance in the team and that, as the season neared its end, he and the club reached an agreement for him to leave.
Carvajal recalled that, starting in January or February, after the surgery, his participation in matches was reduced and that, with the league almost lost and the elimination from the Champions League, those around the club and he himself felt that it was best to look for a new opportunity. “We decided that the best thing was not to continue,” he said, without directly mentioning the coach. The full-back assured that he respected all of Arbeloa's decisions regarding lineups and that he tried to train and be available in as many games as possible, waiting for his moment on the field.
The player also emphasized that his departure was not a “rebound” with the club or the coach. “I never fell out with the coach or the club,” he said, explaining that, despite having been a starter for most of his career, he was forced to accept a situation in which his contract was running out and the World Cup was at stake. “It was difficult after having been a starter my entire career to end up with a few months in which you see that you end your contract and have a World Cup at stake,” he reflected.
Despite the forced nature of his departure, Carvajal called the experience “fantastic.” In the interview, the full-back expressed that, although he could not continue being a key player for Real Madrid, he considered that the decision was the right one for his professional future. “I came home thinking that I was training, that I was traveling, that if I had to play for a minute, then a minute or warm up and not go in… And today I think it's the right thing to do,” he concluded.
With the official signing of Getafe confirmed, Carvajal is preparing to begin a new stage in the First Division. The white club, for its part, will continue looking for reinforcements for the upcoming season, while the Spanish forward focuses on his transition to a new environment where he hopes to regain his position as a starter.