Rafa Obrador has no regrets about leaving Real Madrid for Benfica

“I didn’t think too much about leaving Real Madrid; I was going to a giant club.” Rafa Obrador explains his departure from the Madrid club, which he left for Benfica as part of a deal connected to Álvaro Carreras joining Real Madrid. The 22-year-old is now on loan from Benfica at Sassuolo, after a spell at Torino. He spoke to Sassuolo’s media.

The full-back says he does not regret leaving Real Madrid for Benfica. “When Benfica called me, I didn’t hesitate much. It was a great opportunity. Every player dreams of playing in the Champions League, and Benfica always competes in Europe. It is a giant club,” he said.

Obrador also recalled leaving Mallorca to join Real Madrid. “It was a very difficult decision, because Mallorca had made me an offer I didn’t like. After talking it through with my agent and my family, we thought Real Madrid was the best choice for my development. Moving from an island to a city like Madrid was a huge change, especially because I was alone and still underage. I lived in the club’s residence for two years. It was difficult at first, but I adapted over time,” he said.

Now at Sassuolo, he says he is drawn to the club’s approach. “Serie A has a very important history, and I think I can adapt well here. Italian football is very physical and demanding, but I really like Sassuolo’s idea: keeping the ball, playing calmly and finding space. As a full-back, I’m also asked to play more inside, not just stay close to the touchline. The club wants us to be versatile and give the team different options,” he added.