Cult hero looks back on poignant Real Madrid exit – “It will weigh on me all my life”

Cult hero looks back on poignant Real Madrid exit – “It will weigh on me all my life” In terms of one-season wonders, perhaps no one was better for Real Madrid than Joselu Mato. The veteran striker joined on loan from Espanyol in the summer of 2023 without much expectations, but in the end, he would become a cult hero during his short spell at the Bernabeu. Joselu played 49 times across all competitions for Real Madrid during the 2023-24 season, scoring 18 goals – numbers made more impressive given that he was primarily utilised as an impact sub. His two biggest strikes came when he played that role to perfection in the Champions League semi-final second leg clash with Bayern Munich, as he scored a late brace to send Carlo Ancelotti’s side into the final, which they won 2-0 against Borussia Dortmund to seal a 15th title. As per Diario AS , Joselu has been speaking on his time at Real Madrid during an interview with Iker Casillas on Bajo Los Palos. In particular, he spoke on his decision leave for Qatari side Al-Gharafa, whose contract offer was simply too good to refuse for both him and his family. “Ancelotti calls me… And I can tell you that the first month I had a hard time, because they put a lot of energy on me. But the decision to leave Real Madrid is going to weigh on me all my life because what I have experienced there I will never live again. But the decision to think about my children, my wife and their future, I think that right now is ahead of any sporting issue.” Joselu will always be fondly remembered at Real Madrid There is no doubt that Joselu will always remain a cult hero at the Bernabeu. His exploits during that 2023-24 season were remarkable, and he more than earned the chance to set his family up for life after only 12 months in the Spanish capital.