Dani Ceballos was left off the squad for the Betis match. Later, he posted a cryptic story that many see as a dig at Arbeloa. Both the club and the player already know he will leave this summer.
Without a doubt, one of the surprises on Arbeloa's list. Poor guy. Dani Ceballos will not play against his former team in Seville. It stings, no doubt. And he will not do so for technical reasons.
He has not had minutes in the last four matches since returning from his injury, and now he is left out. That is tough to take. A decision by Alvaro Arbeloa that only fuels rumors about his departure from the white team this summer. You can feel the tension building.
Hours before Real Madrid's list was released for the Betis match, the player from Utrera posted two stories on Instagram. He knew what was coming. The last one, with somewhat enigmatic lyrics that could well be a dart, knowing that he would not be included in the squad for the most special league match of the year for him. That takes guts, honestly.
The song, "Karma" by Beno Real, says the following: "I learned to let go without making noise. To keep going straight and feel what I have lived. Not everyone who smiles wants to see you do well. But time reveals who is who. I don't return blows, I return distance.
Peace arrived when I lost my arrogance. I saw many fall for talking too much. And others rise for knowing how to stay quiet." This is the fragment that the midfielder has used.
Certainly open to interpretation. Life is like that sometimes. Castilla players like Pitarch have passed him on the right flank in recent matches. Ouch. And this could be Ceballos' response to a situation that is not the most pleasant for him. You can understand why he is upset.
The club and the player have already decided that this will be the last year they go hand in hand. No hard feelings, but it is over. There is no turning back. After renewing in 2023 until 2027, the Andalusian has already made his decision. His mind is made up. This coming summer transfer window, he will look for a way out. He needs a fresh start.
There again appears Betis. His desired destination. That would be the dream. But one of the most difficult. It will not be an easy operation and will depend a lot on Real Madrid's willingness. Money talks, as always. What seems certain is that his future will not go through the Spanish capital. That chapter is closed.
Join The Conversation
Roundtablesports is Free to join! You can post your own thoughts, comment on articles, and start conversations with our Roundtable Writers.
Download the FREE Roundtable APP, and get even easier access to your favorite teams and news!