Raul Asencio has opened up about the challenges he has faced this past year, including a serious injury and a drunk driving conviction, while also acknowledging the support of Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. The defender, who rose from the club’s academy, has struggled to maintain his place in the team amid injuries and off-field issues.
In an interview with Diario AS, Asencio explained that a fissure in his body had been troubling him since January last year. He initially managed the pain through conservative treatment but eventually had to undergo surgery after the injury worsened. “It all started a year ago, and since January, the fissure had been holding up thanks to conservative treatment. The pain kept getting worse,” he said. Despite the discomfort, Asencio insisted he put the club’s interests first, adding, “I was suffering, but I couldn’t stop because the team came first. I always put this club and this badge above everything else.” The decision to delay surgery affected his continuity and standing in the squad.
Asencio also spoke highly of Carlo Ancelotti, the current Real Madrid manager and former Italy coach. “Carlo Ancelotti? An excellent person. To me, he was much more than just a coach,” Asencio said. “He was the person who took me under his wing, who believed in me, and who told me: ‘You’re staying with us.’ I will always hold a special place for him in my memory.”
The defender’s career has also been overshadowed by controversy. Earlier this year, he was convicted of drunk driving, an incident that drew heavy criticism, especially given previous negative headlines linked to him. Asencio addressed the matter directly, saying, “It was a very tough time. Several situations in my life converged within a short period.” He agreed with manager Jose Mourinho’s assessment of the situation, stating, “Mourinho wasn’t wrong; he was absolutely right. Ultimately, people form opinions based on what comes out and what they see.”
Acknowledging his mistake, Asencio said he had apologized and would continue to do so. “I made a mistake. I admitted it then and I admit it now. I’ve apologised and will continue to do so.” The 23-year-old stressed the need for self-awareness, adding, “I’m a 23-year-old guy, and I’ve made mistakes, the kind anyone might make at that age. But I have to be aware of where I am.”
He recognised the expectations that come with representing Real Madrid and vowed to avoid repeating such errors. “I’m at Real Madrid, and this cannot happen again. I fully accept the consequences, and my only focus is turning this situation around.” Asencio expressed his desire to restore his reputation and contribute to the club’s success. “I’m the one who’s hurting the most. I dream of turning things around and winning trophies with this club and this jersey, hopefully for the rest of my career. That’s why situations like this won’t happen again,” he concluded.
Asencio’s recent season has been marked by limited playing time and uncertainty about his future. After Jose Mourinho reportedly considered him saleable, the defender remained at the club but suffered the injury that required surgery just as his opportunities were about to increase. His comments reveal a player grappling with physical setbacks and the consequences of personal mistakes while trying to rebuild his career under Ancelotti’s guidance.
According to Yahoo Sports.
