Former Real Madrid youth team star speaks from the heart ahead of reunion – ‘I don’t want to prove anything’

Alvaro Rodriguez faces a night loaded with emotion and personal meaning as Elche prepare to welcome Real Madrid in their latest La Liga encounter. 

For the young forward, this is not just another match, as it is a reunion with the club that shaped his teenage years and helped mould him into the player he is today.

Rodriguez spent four crucial seasons in Real Madrid’s youth academy, rising through the ranks and even making ten senior appearances. 

His most memorable contribution came in dramatic style, scoring a late equaliser in a fiery derby against Atletico Madrid. 

But the fierce competition for places eventually forced him to seek regular minutes elsewhere, paving the way for his switch to Elche. 

Despite the move, Rodriguez’s affection for Madrid remains intact, and the emotions of meeting his former side clearly linger. 

Speaking to AS, he explained his feelings with sincerity, saying, “I’m not any more nervous or tense than usual. Madrid is a team I love and respect. 

“I have friends there. It’s a little special because of that, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

On Alonso, Mbappe and Valverde

Reflecting on the evolution of Los Blancos under Xabi Alonso, Rodriguez added further insight. 

He acknowledged the changes he has observed, stating, “He has imposed his style of play, which is different from what Madrid used to do. 

“Obviously, the players have to adapt to that, and we can see the results they are getting, which are not bad at all. 

“But we will try to play our game, exploit their weaknesses, and win.”

Inevitably, the conversation turned to the challenge of facing Kylian Mbappe, a player dominating headlines across Europe. 

Alvaro Rodriguez will face Real Madrid as an Elche player. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

Rodriquez did not shy away from praising the Frenchman’s influence, noting, “All forwards focus on Mbappe. He’s an incredible player. 

“Personally, I also focus on Fede (Valverde), he’s like my older brother and I love him very much. Mbappe is the most decisive player right now.”

He also touched on his departure from Madrid and whether doubts ever crept in. Showing maturity beyond his years, he expressed, “ I never lost my dream, never. 

“I had been on loan, and if Madrid had wanted me to go to the World Cup, I would have gone, but you have to appreciate that the great Gonzalo had scored over twenty goals in Primera RFEF and had done incredibly well. 

“I’m happy for him. And look where this path has taken me, to Elche, which is incredible.”

Dream of future return

Even now, the idea of returning to Real Madrid remains alive within him. When asked about that possibility, Rodriguez responded with honesty, saying, 

“That never goes away. I love football, and the dream of everyone who loves football is to reach the elite.”

Yet he is equally content with his current surroundings, ending on a grounded and heartfelt note. As he put it simply, “You can, I am now.”

Notably, Elche have not beaten Real Madrid since 1978, but that does not seem to bother the forward, who said, “It’s time to break that record, isn’t it? I hope we win.”

If Rodriguez is indeed on the scoresheet, it would prove a point to the board, but he states that that is not his intention.

“I don’t want to prove anything. I’m here to show Elche what I’m worth, not to prove to Real Madrid that I can play there, no.”

When ask if he would celebrate against his former team, he noted, “I don’t know… I think so. We’re at home, it’s a special match, in front of our fans. Why not?”

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