Former Real Madrid defender Ivan Fresneda opens up on leaving La Fabrica: ‘Happy to have learnt so much’

Former Real Madrid defender Ivan Fresneda opens up on leaving La Fabrica: ‘Happy to have learnt so much’ Ivan Fresneda has no regrets about leaving Real Madrid’s youth academy, stating that the experience was an important part of his development.  The 22-year-old Sporting CP defender discussed his journey through Spanish football in an interview with AS , reflecting on his time at La Fabrica, his memorable performance against Vinicius Jr. at the Santiago Bernabeu while playing for Real Valladolid and the growing attention surrounding his career. Now 22, Fresneda has established himself in Portugal and recently made his senior Spain debut before returning to the Under-21 squad.  His progress has also brought renewed attention from major clubs, including Barcelona , who previously considered signing him when he was at Real Valladolid. Fresneda has no regrets about leaving Real Madrid Fresneda was asked whether departing Real Madrid’s academy had left him with any disappointment. His response made it clear that he views every stage of his development as valuable. Ivan Fresneda does not regret leaving Real Madrid. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) “Not at all. My time in Madrid, at Valladolid and now at Sporting has always taught me something, and I’m happy to have learnt so much and to have friends like Gonzalo – who’s here with me in the Under-21s and whom I met back then. “The truth is that you learn things at every stage, and I think I learnt a great deal from my time at La Fabrica too,” he explained. The Vinicius performance remains a career highlight One of the most memorable moments from his time in Spain came when he helped keep Vinicius quiet during a match at the Bernabeu.  Asked whether that performance was the one supporters remembered most, Fresneda acknowledged its significance while pointing to his more recent achievements. “In Spain, I’d say so, but right now the one with the senior team is also up there.  Barcelona had Ivan Fresneda on their radar in the past. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) “But people also remember matches with the Under-21s and at Sporting, where I provided assists and played at a very high level,” he explained. Barcelona links motivate him but Sporting are his priority As stated before, Fresneda has also attracted attention from Barcelona.  The Catalan club explored his situation during his Valladolid spell, while his improved standing at Sporting has brought fresh transfer speculation. Asked how he feels about being associated with major clubs again, he responded: “I feel very proud. Having my name associated with these kinds of clubs gives me more strength and motivation to keep performing well for my club, with whom I’m under contract until 2028 and where I’m very happy,” he concluded.