“If you leave, you will regret it” - Florentino Perez’s alleged message to ex-Real Madrid star who left club on free transfer in 2023 comes to light

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez sent a bold warning message to Marco Asensio before the Spaniard's departure last year, according to a report from Real Madrid Confidencial. Asensio secured a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the 2023 summer window.

Asensio had joined the Spanish giants in the summer of 2015 and spent a season-long loan at Espanyol. During his subsequent seven years with the club, the attacking midfielder registered 286 appearances, contributing 61 goals and 32 assists.

He accumulated several honors at the Bernabeu, including three LaLiga titles, three Champions League trophies, and four FIFA Club World Cups. Despite the success and his contribution, Asensio struggled to establish himself in the starting XI.

As a result, the Spain international was keen on an exit last year after the expiration of his contract. While Madrid's hierarchy reportedly made attempts to lock him down on a new deal, Asensio opted to leave for PSG on a free.

Los Blancos president Florentino Perez's reportedly sent a parting message to the 28-year-old. According to a report from Real Madrid Confidencial, Perez told Asensio (via Madrid Universal):

“If you leave, you will regret it.”

In his debut campaign at PSG last season, Asensio made just 13 Ligue 1 starts, scoring four goals and providing five assists. This term, Asensio has started eight Ligue 1 games and two Champions League matches, recording two goals and four assists.

Real Madrid set to hire Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti's successor - Reports

Real Madrid have already decided on Carlo Ancelotti's successor, according to Fichajes.net. Los Blancos have set their sights on Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.

While Ancelotti's existing deal with the club expires only in 2026, Madrid's hierarchy have begun planning for his long-term replacement.

Alonso took over the reins at Leverkusen in 2022 and has transformed the club. The German outfit went on an extraordinary unbeaten run last season and won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal.

Leverkusen missed the opportunity to secure a treble after losing 3-0 to Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final. Alonso was heavily linked with Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp's departure in the summer. However, he opted to stay at Leverkusen and the Reds appointed Arne Slot.

Alonso is now on Real Madrid's radar, with the club keen on bringing the former Los Blancos midfielder back to the Bernabeu in a management capacity. The aforementioned outlet claims that Madrid's board have already made the decision as well.

Alonso's current deal with Leverkusen is set to expire in 2026.