Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos recently spoke about his future with the club and his admiration for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in an interview with Jorge Valdano.

Real Madrid's Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos pours water on his face during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on January 29, 2023. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos pours water on his face during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on January 29, 2023. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

In the interview, the 25-year-old midfielder stated that he doesn’t want a contract renewal at Real Madrid if he doesn’t deserve it, insisting that his performance on the pitch should be the sole basis of his contract status.

Ceballos has had a mixed season at Real Madrid, featuring in only 12 La Liga games so far.

“I want to play football and be judged by my level on the pitch,” Ceballos said.

“I don’t want a renewal if I don’t deserve it or go to another club if I don’t deserve it.

“Play these three months, and when the season ends, talk to whoever has to speak, meet with my agent and my family and value the best”.

However, Ceballos has credited his time at Arsenal under Arteta last season as having a profound impact on his development. In the interview, he praised Arteta as one of the best coaches in the world and highlighted how the Spaniard helped him anticipate match situations. He went on to say that the experience of playing in the Premier League made him a much better player.

“Arteta has everything to be the top 3 of the best coaches in the world,” Ceballos said.

“I learned new things with him. I anticipated what would happen in the matches.

“What I experienced with him I will hardly experience with another. He knows what the player needs. For me he will be one of the best in the world.

“The Premier League is a very physical league.

“In every game the players end up with cramps.

“It was hard for me to get into the rhythm. But that league makes you a much better player.

“My time in the Premier has been fundamental in my career.”

Ceballos joined Real Madrid in 2017 from Real Betis, and he has struggled to cement his place in the squad, leading to loan spells at Arsenal and back to Betis before returning to the Bernabeu this season.

The midfielder’s future at Real Madrid remains uncertain, with his contract set to expire in 2023.

Ceballos’ interview sheds light on his willingness to work hard and earn a contract renewal rather than rely on his past reputation.

His words show that he is focused on improving his on-pitch performance and proving his worth to his current club.

It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid will offer him a new contract, but his time at Arsenal and his recent interview suggest that he is determined to succeed wherever he goes.