What’s the story?
Real Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao has admitted that his situation at the Bernabeu is not ideal. The Portuguese left-back has struggled for form and fitness this season and he has made only 4 appearances so far.
The Portuguese defender knows that opportunities might be hard to come by and is ready for a move away in the summer transfer window. Speaking to Marca, Coentrao rather surprisingly admitted the fact that he is not good enough for Madrid’s first team at the moment.
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"I'm in no condition to play for Real Madrid, I want to return to my best next season. have a contract with Real Madrid until 2019, so if they continue to count on me, perfect – if not I'll choose my own path.”
"Maybe returning to Portugal would help me recover the level of play I once had. We should all admit our limitations at some point in our lives and I feel that, right now, this club demands a level of play I'm not at."
Coentrao still thinks he can play at Europe’s top level. The29-year-old Portuguese international spoke of his determination to play another 3-4 years at the top level.
"I hope to play three or four more years at the highest level," he added. "I know I can do it."
Also read: 5 Real Madrid players who have no future at the club
In case you didn’t know...
Fabio Coentrao arrived in Real Madrid in 2011 and feature regularly under Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese left-back even won a League title in his first season, Considered to be one of the most reliable left-backs in the world, Coentrao soon suffered a number of injury setbacks and he has never quite recovered his best form ever since.
Under Zidane, the 29-year-old has been frozen out and the likelihood of him making the first team this season looks very slim.
The heart of the matter
In a top club like Real Madrid, the competition for places is bound to be intense and only the best players in top form and fitness make it to the playing 11. While Coentrao is undoubtedly a talented player, his injury concerns have seen him drop out of the playing 11.
The lack of playing time has also seen the 29-year-old lose his international spot and a move away from Real Madrid could well reinvigorate his career.
What’s next?
Coentrao is finally back to training regularly and the Portuguese international will be hoping to regain complete form and fitness before the end of the season. Also, we are approaching the business end of the season and with games coming thick and fast, the 29-year-old should keep himself prepared to step into the first team and perform at the required level.
Also read: Real Madrid target Mbappe: I still have a lot to learn
Author’s take
At 29, time for Coentrao is quickly running out. With Zidane not showing enough faith in the left-back, a move away from the Bernabeu will definitely suit the Portuguese left back's career.
