Jacobo Ramón explains why he left Real Madrid

“I knew it was my moment to leave Madrid.” Jacobo Ramón is looking back on the decision that took him away from Real Madrid, where he arrived aged 8 and spent twelve years. He wanted to show, away from Valdebebas, what kind of centre-back he could become. Now 21, he is playing for Como and has received his first call-up to the national team.

The defender says it was difficult to break into the first team because competition was so intense. “I think I had to prove away from there what kind of player I was. I took the right step at the right time and, so far, it’s working out well for me,” he said. He discussed that decision in an interview for Radio MARCA, scheduled to air on Wednesday before La Tribu.

Como’s project and Cesc Fàbregas’s role helped persuade him. Ramón says the coach called to explain his approach to the game, and that he felt it suited him. “The project was very ambitious,” he said. Last season, Como had a very good campaign and qualified for the Champions League, according to Ramón. “Cesc is working very well with us,” he added.

Ramón says he has been made to feel welcome despite being somewhat shy during his first days with the national team group. He singled out Cubarsí, who sat with him at the table, and said the whole group had helped him. This new step comes as Real Madrid continues to keep him on its radar for the future.

For now, however, the defender does not want to look too far ahead to a possible return. “Right now I’m focused on Como. We have a very exciting season ahead of us,” he said, noting that the season is still at an early stage and that his side already has plenty to deal with in Italy. He insists he is not thinking about a return to Real Madrid.

Ramón also spoke about the criticism he received on social media after making his Real Madrid debut in Leganés. He said the first time is always the hardest and noted that results can draw criticism around a club exposed to intense scrutiny. “A footballer isn’t judged in 45 minutes,” he said. He also explained how Fàbregas persuaded him to join Como and said the dressing room is fully behind the coach’s ideas.