Real Madrid and Spain captain, Sergio Ramos has expressed his happiness on Isco staying at the Bernabeu. The 24-year-old had loan offers from Tottenham and Malaga but has decided to stay with the European champions for the 2016-17 season.
Zidane's decision of not selling James Rodriguez was seen as the end of Isco's career for Real but the player has now confirmed that he will fight for his place in the squad.
Ramos, Isco’s club and country teammate, has said praised the player and said, "Isco staying at Real Madrid is great news and makes me happy. We all know what type of player he is, what he is capable of, and he brings a lot to the team."
Isco has been dropped from the Spain squad as he nursing an injury, which prevented him from making the matchday squad of Real Madrid's victory over Celta Vigo.
Isco had a brilliant first season for Real when he found the back of the net 11 times and made 7 assists in 53 appearances for the Los Blancos. His performances took a downward turn in the next season as he did not make many appearances and started from the bench. His average performances denied him a place in Spain's squad for Euro 2016, which was said to be a huge setback for the 24-year-old.
Interest from Spurs, Malaga
Spurs were serious in their interest for Isco, who has fallen down the pecking order at the Bernabeu. Zidane has preferred the likes of Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez and Mateo Kovacic over the former Malaga man.
His former team, Malaga too were ready to welcome him back on a season-long loan as Real had made it clear that they won't sell any player as Madrid face a transfer ban for the next two transfer windows.
Spurs were keen to buy the 24-year-old on a permanent deal but Real thwarted a permanent move from any club.
International friendly
Spain play Belgium in their first match of the international break and Lichtenstein on Monday. The match will be the new coach, Julen Lopetegui's, first match in charge.
Spain captain Sergio Ramos stated ahead of the match, "Our main objective is to retake the initiative during matches and to remain focused."
Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, Marco Asensio, Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez and Alvaro Morata have all been selected in the latest Spanish squad.