After failing to find playing time or prominence under Carlo Ancelotti, the defender was allowed to leave as he ended up joining Spanish second division side Albacete.
In a recent interview with AS, Vallejo opened up about his time at Real Madrid, his experience in Albacete so far and, most importantly, he recalled the moment when he refused to sign for Atlético de Madrid.
Jesús Vallejo rejected Atlético de Madrid
Vallejo revealed that Atlético de Madrid was one of the clubs that approached him during his time in the Zaragoza youth academy, but he said no to the offer.
“When I was in the Zaragoza youth team, teams like Villarreal and Atleti called me. At that moment, Zaragoza took a chance on me and I said no. I decided to stay at Zaragoza because I felt loved.” said.
Vallejo, however, did not think twice about joining Real Madrid in 2015, but admitted that he really wanted to stay at Zaragoza for another year, and did so through a loan deal.
“When Madrid arrived it was different. I was on vacation and my agent told me that he was going to make an offer to Zaragoza for the value of my termination clause, which was 5 million euros.
“I was very happy and eager to return to Zaragoza to settle in and fix things. I was also excited to stay in Zaragoza for another year.” said.
Vallejo on his first years at Real Madrid
Vallejo was at Real Madrid for ten years before leaving the club permanently last summer. Speaking about his beginnings at the club, he especially praised Cristiano Ronaldo.
“The one who impressed me the most in the Madrid locker room was Cristiano. His regularity and perseverance make him special and different. He impressed me and he helps you in every way he can, giving you a lot of advice.
“In my first season at Madrid I played little, but Zidane was always clear about it. He helps you at all times. He had clear roles, but he was not immovable, you could earn your place.” said.
Speaking about his eventual return to the Bernabeu after a series of loan spells at Granada, Vallejo said: “The Bernabéu is special. I have noticed that the PSG or City players, who usually do everything perfectly, start to make mistakes.
“The Bernabéu impresses you and the rival notices it. I have never played away, but I have noticed how the stadium has turned the games around, the rival players feel that pressure.”
Vallejo also spoke about Julen Lopetegui and the bad luck he had in arriving at the Real Madrid camp at the wrong time.
“It’s a shame that Lopetegui didn’t stay longer at Madrid. He’s a great coach, but he came to a very demanding club at a difficult time. That year was very complicated. When Zidane arrived, he told us that he was coming to suffer with us.”” said.
Finally, the centre-back recalled the famous 2022 Champions League semi-final match against Manchester City, where he produced a stellar defensive performance.
“In the famous tie against City, I remember that Militao had some discomfort, but I already knew that he could play, he was ready. I was happy to play because I felt strong,” he concluded.