Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos accused of lying about his Real Betis exit

Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos has been accused of lying in regards to his departure from Real Betis by club vice-president José Miguel López Catalán.

The 22-year-old joined Los Blancos in the summer of 2017 subsequently ending a six-year association with boyhood club Betis though it was Ceballos’ explanation for leaving that irked his former employer.

Ceballos’ promotion. Five you things to know…

1. Ceballos aged 17 debuts for Real Betis against Real Sociedad in April 2014.
2. He would ultimately make 105 official appearances for the Andalusian club.
3. Ceballos was part of Spain’s successful U19 Euros side in 2015 before shining at the 2017 U21 European championship.
4. His performances earned him a move to Real Madrid where he’s been nominally used as a squad player.
5. Ceballos made his senior international debut in September 2018 against Croatia and has five caps to date.

Ceballos, in a recent interview with El Chiringuito, stated Betis’ refusal to renew his contract ultimately led to him leaving for pastures new however this version of events was swiftly dismissed by club vice-president José Miguel López Catalán.

“His words annoyed me a lot, because they are not true,” he told El Mundo Deportivo.

“Dani is telling a story that is far from the reality, and yes Betis may have erred by not signing a deal many months earlier but the player stalled for months.

“From my point of view it was clear that he was thinking only of himself and not about Betis, and ultimately it led to an exit that was not pleasant for anyone.”

READ MORE: 10 players whose careers went downhill after joining Real Madrid

Does Ceballos have a future at Real Madrid?

There’s no denying Ceballos is a talent. However, as with any young player at Real Madrid, it’s a matter of that potential being fulfilled. In order to do so, they need ample playing time.

Ceballos, who’s enjoying a second campaign at the 13-time European champions, has already gone through two managers (Zinedine Zidane and Julen Lopetegui) before the appointment of present coach Santiago Solari.

He’s featured on no fewer than 36 occasions under all three –Zidane (22), Lopetegui (11), Solari (3) – but it’s fair to say Ceballos is far from being the first name on Real’s team sheet. That’s evident in the fact he’s only started in 44.4% of his total appearances (16/36) and completing the full 90 minutes just eight times with half of those coming in the Copa del Rey.

Ceballos turned 22 in August and it’s clear he’s a useful squad player given his ability to play in multiple positions. So far, in the fabled white jersey, the Seville-born footballer has been utilised on the flanks as well as in central midfield.

His present deal at the Bernabéu Stadium expires in June 2023 and having played across nine league matches this season, Ceballos will be hoping to feature in Real’s trip to Eibar this weekend.

QUIZ: Can you name the Spaniards to make 100+ Champions League appearances?

Ceballos has a long way to go before reaching a century of Champions League appearances. But, can you name his compatriots who have? Let us know in the comments below or through Twitter (@Squawka).

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