Isco wanted to move to Barcelona last summer

At the start of the season, Isco was in sparkling form as the nimble footed midfielder started off like a house on fire.

The Spaniard was instrumental during Real Madrid’s charge at the back end of last season, as Isco played a crucial role in Real’s historic double winning season.

There were many rumours surrounding his potential exit from the club, as Isco seemed like an odd fit at the Bernabeu.

But Zinedine Zdiane had faith in Isco’s abilities, and gave him a free role in order to express himself. The midfielder did not turn back, as Isco put in match winning performances one after the other, to establish himself as one of the best players in the world.

In the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup, Isco was magical at the Nou Camp as the midfielder ran the show against Barcelona. Isco’s performances brought back memories of Andres Iniesta in his pomp, as the watching crowd present at the Nou Camp applauded the Real Madrid man.

Back when Isco was contemplating a move away from the Bernabeu, the midfielder was contacted by Barcelona themselves. Isco was quite keen on making the switch, but priced himself out of a move to the Catalan giants.

Isoc wanted a bumper contract and an additional 4.4 million pounds more than what Barcelona wanted to offer. The midfielder would have fit perfectly at Barcelona, as Spain’s successor to Iniesta could well have taken over the great man’s role at club level.

Barcelona’s loss was Real Madrid’s gain, as the talented midfielder has flourished for Zidane’s team since then and signed a new long term contract with Real Madrid.

Isco though has spent a lot of time on the bench lately, as Zidane is desperately trying to reverse Real’s flagging fortunes this season. On asked about Isco’s lack of playing time, this is what Zidane had to say.

“Isco’s a very important player and it’s my job to speak to him,” Zidane said. “He’ll always have an important role here. He’s proven how good he is as a player and I’ve always shown my trust in him because he’s an important player.

“Now we’re playing 4-3-3 and Isco can play in that system, he can also play behind a front two, so it’s not a problem.

“Isco is clever enough to know his role here. He’ll be important and he has shown that already, I think all my players have at some point.”

Real Madrid fans will be hoping Isco comes back in form, as they desperately their magical midfielder to lift them out of this rut.

Otherwise, Barcelona may go back in for him again this summer, and that is something that Real Madrid will want to avoid at all costs!