Isco: Media ‘inventing’ links with Barcelona

Sarah Winterburn

Real Madrid midfielder Isco has blamed the quietness of the international break for the media’s insistence that he is preparing to join Barcelona next summer.

Isco’s Madrid contract expires in 2018 and he is persistently linked with a free transfer move to Barcelona.

He told reporters after Spain’s 4-1 win over Israel on Friday night:  “Us players, we are exposed to rumours. We are used [to it] and now that there is less football with the break some media have to invent some things, I do not know why.

“I talk on the pitch and try to do the best that I can for the team.”

According to MARCA, Real Madrid have offered Isco a new six-year contract but he has started just 13 La Liga games this season.