Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Ramos, and Gerard Pique are just a few of the iconic Spanish football players who have made a name for themselves in the world of soccer. But one name that has recently been making headlines for all the wrong reasons is Andres Carrasco.
Carrasco, a talented midfielder, was once considered a rising star in the Spanish football scene. He made his professional debut with Atletico Madrid in 2006 and quickly became a key player for the team. His impressive performances on the field caught the attention of top clubs across Europe, and in 2015, he made a move to Chinese Super League club Dalian Yifang for a record-breaking fee of €42 million.
However, what seemed like a promising career move turned out to be a disaster for Carrasco. The Spanish midfielder struggled to adapt to the Chinese culture and playing style, and his form on the field began to decline. He also faced several disciplinary issues, including missing training sessions and being involved in a heated argument with his coach.
As a result, Carrasco found himself on the bench more often than not, and his playing time decreased significantly. He also failed to make an impact on the field, with only three goals and two assists in 26 appearances for Dalian Yifang. This was a far cry from his previous seasons in Europe, where he had consistently scored and assisted double-digit numbers.
The situation only worsened when Carrasco’s wife, Noemie Happart, expressed her dissatisfaction with living in China and openly criticized the club’s management. This added to the already tense atmosphere and further affected Carrasco’s performance.
In January 2019, after just one and a half seasons with Dalian Yifang, Carrasco made a surprising move back to Europe, joining Atletico Madrid on loan. It was a chance for him to revive his career and prove his doubters wrong.
However, things did not go as planned for Carrasco. Injuries and lack of form hindered his progress, and he failed to impress during his short stint with Atletico. He returned to Dalian Yifang in July 2019, but his struggles continued, and he was eventually dropped from the team.
Fast forward to January 2020, and Carrasco made another unexpected move, this time back to his homeland of Spain. He joined La Liga side Celta Vigo on loan until the end of the season, with an option to make the deal permanent.
But once again, Carrasco failed to make an impact. He only managed to make seven appearances for Celta Vigo, and his loan deal was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With no other options, Carrasco returned to Dalian Yifang, where he has been ever since.
It’s been almost six months since Carrasco last played a competitive game, and his situation has raised many questions about his future. At just 27 years old, he still has plenty of years left in his career, but his recent struggles have put a dent in his once-promising career.
Many have criticized Carrasco for his lack of commitment and professionalism, while others have sympathized with him, citing the difficulties he faced in China. But one thing is for sure, Carrasco’s time in China has been a major setback for his career.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Spanish midfielder. He recently expressed his desire to return to Europe and prove himself once again. And with the transfer market opening soon, there may be a glimmer of hope for Carrasco to find a new club and get his career back on track.
Despite his struggles, Carrasco remains a talented player with immense potential, and it’s not too late for him to turn things around. With the right mindset and determination, he can still make a name for himself in the world of football.
In conclusion, Andres Carrasco’s move to China may have been a lucrative one, but it ultimately proved to be a mistake. His struggles and lack of playing time have hindered his progress and put his career on hold. But with his determination and passion for the game, Carrasco can bounce back and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with on the field. Let’s hope we see him back in action soon and back to his best form.
