Raul Asencio vows to repay Real Madrid after injury and off-field setbacks

Raul Asencio says he is determined to repay Real Madrid for their support after enduring a difficult period that has included a serious injury and controversy away from football.

The 23-year-old defender recently had surgery on a fractured tibia after attempting to manage the problem with conservative treatment since January.

“The pain was getting worse. I was suffering, but I couldn’t stop because the team was above everything,” Asencio said.

The injury eventually became too severe for him to continue without an operation. During his rehabilitation, he received an unexpected visit from Jose Mourinho, which he described as a significant lift.

“Mourinho’s visit gave me a shot of energy,” Asencio said. “In those moments of doubt, when you’re thinking about how the recovery is going to go and how long you’re going to be out, having him come to see me is really comforting.”

Asencio called Mourinho “approachable, humble, kind and ambitious”, and said the Real Madrid coach was “a great person on a human level, besides being a great coach”.

The defender has also faced scrutiny following a drink-driving case during the European summer. He accepted responsibility and said he recognised the standards required of a Real Madrid player.

“I made a mistake. I admitted it then and I admit it now,” he said. “I’ve apologised and I’ll keep apologising.”

“I’m a 23-year-old kid and I’ve made mistakes, just like anyone can at that age. But I have to be aware of where I am. I’m at Real Madrid, and that can’t happen again.”

Asencio believes the experience has increased his resolve to establish himself at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“I’m only focused on turning this situation around. I dream of turning everything around and winning titles with this club and this jersey, hopefully for the rest of my career.”

He also reflected on his breakthrough at Real Madrid, particularly his debut against Osasuna, when he provided the assist for Jude Bellingham.

Asencio credited the club’s academy, La Fabrica, with preparing him to perform without fear at the highest level.

“The training they gave me in the youth academy allowed me to go out without any fear and do what I know,” he said. “La Fabrica is a school of learning.”

Carlo Ancelotti, who gave him his first-team debut, was another important influence.

“For me he was much more than the coach. He was the person who supported me, who bet on me and told me: ‘You’re going to stay with us’. I will always keep a special memory of him.”

Asencio said the backing of the Santiago Bernabeu supporters had also helped him through the difficult period.

“Real Madrid gave me everything. And for that and in return, I will give everything for Madrid,” he said. “Now I will fight to make them proud of me again.”

He backed Vinicius Junior to recover his best form, saying the Brazilian remained highly valued by the squad.

“Vini is Vini and will always remain so. Vini has a special aura. Everybody in the dressing room wants him,” he said.

“He may not be the Vini of two years ago now, but he will return because we see him on a daily basis.”

Asencio also said Kylian Mbappe should be considered the leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or.

“That would be fair. I see him on a day-to-day basis. For me he is the best player of all the nominees,” he said. “Football-wise, Kylian is the best.”

Real Madrid host Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, while Asencio continues his recovery ahead of a return to first-team action.