Asier Illarramendi Reflects on Career at Kitchee SC

Illarramendi's career has taken him through some of the most prominent clubs in European football before his current tenure in Asia. He previously played for Real Sociedad, where he established himself as a talented midfielder. His career later took him to the Spanish giants, Real Madrid, followed by a stint in the United States with Dallas in the MLS. Now based in Hong Kong, he looks back on this trajectory without hesitation.

Despite the challenges and the intense scrutiny that comes with high-profile transfers, Illarramendi maintains a positive outlook on his professional choices. He specifically addressed the criticism he received regarding his departure from Real Sociedad. The move to Real Madrid was met with disapproval from the Real Sociedad fanbase, as was his decision not to renew his contract to pursue opportunities in the Americas. However, he stands firm in his belief that he made the right choices for his career at the time.

Currently, Illarramendi is adapting to life in Hong Kong with Kitchee SC. He describes his daily routine as positive, highlighting that he attends training with enthusiasm and genuinely enjoys his time on the field. Despite being thousands of miles from his home in Mutriku, he seems to have found a rhythm that suits him. He views his time in Asia not just as a final paycheck, but as a phase of his life he wants to savor.

The midfielder is realistic about his physical condition and the natural aging process. He acknowledges that the end of his playing days is inevitable and appears to be approaching it with a sense of peace. His strategy is to avoid looking too far ahead, preferring to evaluate his desire to continue on an annual basis. This "year to year" approach allows him to maintain his motivation and focus on the immediate future rather than the inevitable retirement.

While Illarramendi did not achieve the level of success at Real Madrid that many expected, he does not dwell on the negative aspects of that period. He acknowledges the difficulty of playing for such a demanding club, noting that the pressure is immense. The scrutiny from the media and fans is constant, and the margin for error is minimal. This perspective suggests a mature understanding of the pressures of elite football.

By defending his past choices, Illarramendi demonstrates a lack of bitterness regarding his career path. He recognizes that his journey has included ups and downs, but he focuses on the overall experience rather than specific failures. His current enjoyment of football in Hong Kong serves as proof that he has successfully moved past the controversies of his earlier career.