Real Madrid’s attacking midfielder, Isco has claimed that the club and himself are close to extending his current contract, which will expire in 2018. The 24-year-old joined the Spanish giants from Malaga in 2013 for a sum of €30 million. The midfielder has won major trophies with the club including two Champions League titles in his three years at the Spanish capital. Isco has been hugely successful despite not being a regular starter under former managers Rafa Benitez and Carlo Ancelotti.
A few weeks back, Isco was heavily linked with several clubs in Europe including Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal and also Juventus and also admitted that he would be interested in moving away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Things have now changed for the young midfielder as he put in impressive performances during the international break scoring a late equaliser in a friendly against England which ended in a 2-2 result. He was also heavily involved in the 3-0 derby win against Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
Isco also started for Real Madrid in the 2-1 victory against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Wednesday. Speaking to AS about his contract situation with Real Madrid Isco said, "I still have this year and next (on his contract) contract. Both sides want it (a new deal) to happen. We hope that it can be sorted. I am getting more consistent games. I am happy and ready to help the team."
Isco still has eighteen months left on his contract and the way things are going; the youngster could further extend his contract for a couple of more years. Isco seems to be enjoying playing under the club’s new coach Zinedine Zidane and seems convinced to prove his worth.
Karim Benzema took Isco’s place in the second half and scored a late winner for Real Madrid in their outing against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. Isco admitted that they had to work hard for the win against the Portuguese team.
"It was an important game, we had to win, and we're happy with the result," he added. "We had to dig in, but the three points are heading back to Madrid."
Real Madrid have confirmed their place in the round of 16 and will be looking to beat group leaders Borussia Dortmund in their final group stage game and go top of the group.
"They are a great side who play very good football, particularly on the counter-attack where they've got some really pacey players," Isco said. "The key will be to perform as we did against Atleti, be patient on the ball and defend as a unit. We have to make the Bernabeu a fortress, and we hope to get the three points."
Injuries to Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have paved the way for Isco to impress for Los Blancos as he started in all of Madrid’s last six La Liga matches and also to win the man of the match for his performance in the Madrid derby last week.
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