Joselu explains why he decided to leave Real Madrid to join Qatari side Al Gharafa. Spanish striker Jose Luis Mato Sanmartin, or Joselu has explained why he decided to leave Real Madrid to join Qatari club Al Gharafa. With competition for places at the Bernabeu increasing following the arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick Felipe. According to sport Diario AS on Wednesday.
Joselu joined Real Madrid on a season-long loan from Espanyol with an option to make the move permanent for €1.5m. He has impressed, scoring 17 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions. Including a brace against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals. As the 34-year-old helped Los Blancos to La Liga. The Champions League and the Supercopa de Espana UFABET
Real Madrid have agreed a permanent deal with Joselu before allowing the player to join Al Gharafa for the same fee, with the player signing a two-year deal worth around €17m with the Qatari club.
‘It’s the right time to take that step and just say thank you to Madrid for helping me make it happen. There are good years coming up in Madrid with young players,’ said Joselu.
The 34-year-old forward admits.
The arrivals of Mbappe and Endrick were the impetus behind his decision to leave Madrid as he felt he would be given less game time than before.
‘What drives you a little bit is the desire to continue competing. Maybe this year’s role is not the same as last year’s. I’m going to a very good country and I think it’s the right time to move on. What I don’t want is to go to another club in Europe. I left on the best note, winning a lot of trophies.’
Although Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to keep Joselu at the club and feels he still has a chance to play, the 34-year-old striker has differed and has confirmed he will continue to play for Spain if Luis de la Fuente wants him.
‘The truth is that right now I… I enjoy it every day. It is not easy to come to Madrid at 33 years old. You have to value everything. Everything is happening and I am very happy with everything I have learned and enjoying my career. It is not easy. I hope to spend 10 years at Real Madrid,’ said Joselu.