Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio underwent tibia surgery about a week before speaking to AS, and revealed that manager José Mourinho visited him in hospital immediately after the operation. The 23-year-old said the injury had been developing since January, when a crack in the bone was managed with conservative treatment, but the pain gradually worsened until surgery became the only option.
Asencio said Dr. Leyes, whom he thanked publicly along with the club's medical staff, examined him and told him he needed surgery the following day. His family flew from Gran Canaria to Madrid after he called them, and he said he is currently on crutches and dealing with mobility issues during his recovery.
"That visit gave me a huge boost," Asencio said of Mourinho coming to see him in hospital. "In those moments of uncertainty, when you're lying there wondering how the recovery will go and how long you'll be out, having Mou come see me and show the same warmth he's shown all season was incredibly comforting. Mou is approachable, humble, kind and ambitious. Beyond being a great coach, he's an exceptional human being."
He also described Mourinho's presence in the dressing room away from the cameras. "He's just another member of the locker room," Asencio said. "Behind closed doors, though, he's a fantastic person, funny, and someone who genuinely enjoys spending time with us. We enjoy spending time with him too. He's one of us."
The defender, who came through Real Madrid's academy after five years at Las Palmas and made his first-team debut against Osasuna under Carlo Ancelotti, changed his squad number this summer to No. 2, previously worn by Dani Carvajal. He said a club protocol staff member called to tell him the number was available and that he did not hesitate to take it, later messaging Carvajal to joke that he hoped he wouldn't do any damage to the number.
Asencio also addressed a heavy fine he received for drink-driving over the summer, saying Mourinho was right to be critical of him. "It was a very difficult moment," he said. "I've admitted it, I continue to admit it, and I've apologized. I'm 23 years old and I've made mistakes that many people make at that age. But I have to understand where I am. I'm at Real Madrid, and something like that cannot happen again."
Asked about Vinícius Júnior's form, Asencio said: "Vini is Vini and always will be. He has a special aura. Everybody in the dressing room loves him. Maybe he's not quite the same player he was two years ago right now, but he'll be back because we see what he does every day in training."
On Kylian Mbappé's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or, Asencio said: "It would be deserved. I see him every day, and for me he's the best player among all the nominees. Purely from a football standpoint, Kylian is the best."
