Brentford goalkeeper David Raya has insisted he is not a Real Madrid fan, and instead followed Arsenal and Liverpool as a youngster.
Raya is earning himself a growing reputation in England, having established himself as the number one at Brentford Community Stadium since arriving from Blackburn in 2019.
He was a key part of their promotion to the Premier League and impressed last season, particularly with his ability to play with the ball at his feet, something Brentford take advantage of under Thomas Frank.
He’s earned himself plenty of plaudits as a result, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp claiming last season that he is good enough to play as a number ten.
That was praise which was well received by Raya, who has admitted he has liked Liverpool and Arsenal since he was a kid.
“That’s not true,” he told La Vanguardia when asked if he supports Real Madrid.
“I’ve followed the Premiership since I was a kid and I like Liverpool and Arsenal. I watch La Liga but without colours.
Despite a growing reputation at Brentford and praise from Klopp, Raya remains somewhat under the radar in his homeland.
He’s now very much a part of Luis Enrique’s Spain squad after being handed his debut in the 2-1 win over Albania earlier this year.
He’s been in every Spain squad since, albeit sitting on the bench for the last set of games against Czech Republic and Switzerland.
International recognition is likely to see his status grow in Spanish football, but it seems the Brentford man would be happier if it didn’t.
“The truth is that they don’t know me very well, no,” he added.
“But I’m grateful for that. But it’s nice because I think of young people like Ferran (Torres), Pedri, Gavi or Eric (Garcia) and I think that they can’t go around Barcelona to have a coffee in peace, without anyone bothering them.
“It’s really nice to be a bit more hidden. It doesn’t bother me at all. Besides, we owe it to the fans and if they ask me for something I always stop. But I don’t care if they stop me more or less, my job is on the pitch.”
