Ex-Atlético Madrid star Mario Hermoso has on Friday issued his response to the speculation linking him with a return to Spain, on this occasion with Real Madrid.
The subject of defensive reinforcements has of course positioned itself front and centre in the headlines surrounding Real over recent days.
This comes after the injury crisis in Carlo Ancelotti’s backline was added to by Éder Militão, set to miss the remainder of the campaign with an ACL tear.
The powers that be in Spain’s capital have, in turn, been left with little choice but to look towards the January transfer window for reinforcements.
And, amongst the players linked with a potential Santiago Bernabéu switch over recent days has been the aforementioned Mario Hermoso.
Struggling to carve out a consistent starting berth since joining AS Roma in the summer, the 29-year-old is viewed as a potential cut-price, La Liga-proven addition by the Real Madrid brass.
Speaking to the media on Friday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of Los Blancos’ interest was put to Hermoso himself.
And, in his response, the stopper admitted to Diario AS (as cited by Fabrizio Romano) that such links have left him flattered:
“Real Madrid’s interest? Yes, yes. I’ve read that story… many friends sent it to me. It is an honour when they link you to great clubs. I was in Real Madrid’s academy and I am grateful for everything they contributed to my development.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
