Atletico midfielder Saul Niguez does not look back fondly upon his time at the Real Madrid academy. The midfielder revealed the difficulties he experienced during his time at Madrid’s youth academy in an interview with El Mundo.
Regarding his time in Madrid’s youth academy, Saul said:
"A lot of things happened off the field. The sporting side went well but some things happened which shouldn't happen to a kid of 11, 12 years of age. I had my boots stolen, my food, I was punished for soemthing I didn't do and I wasn't allowed at the training ground in Valdebebas for two weeks.
“Someone wrote a letter, signing it with my name and sent it to the coach... I said that the letter wasn't from me because I had nothing to do with it.
"I'm not hurt by what happened because it was a good experience in that I learned a lot of things, I matured a lot as a person".
Now, Saul has very much found happiness at Atletico and he went on to describe the values which define his club:
"Atleti is not just about the club crest, an emblem - it's all about the club's values: a way of living life. Humility, hard work, sacrifice, unity, the importance and strength of the team.”
When asked about his team’s chances at the La Liga, Saul vowed to fight till the very end.
"We'll never give LaLiga up for lost; every game from now until the last day will be like a final to us and we'll try to win all of them".
Atletico Madrid face Real Madrid tonight in what is a do-or-die encounter for both then teams in terms of the title race.
Zidane laughs off rumours on Saul getting bullied at Real Madrid
Real Madrid coach Zidane was asked about Saul’s story in a press conference, and his reaction was not too sympathetic towards Saul.
Asked how he felt about Saul’s experience, the Frenchman coldly replied:
“I’m thinking about the game, I’m fine here(smiles, chuckles) If something happened to Saul, I’m sorry, but I’m here with my guys.”
Real Madrid will need to be at their best if they are to secure all three points tonight.
