Real Madrid midfielder Thiago Pitarch has decided to remain with the Spanish club despite strong interest from Fulham, with the faith shown in him by manager Jose Mourinho understood to have been a decisive factor.
The 19-year-old had emerged as a serious target for Fulham, who recently appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as their head coach. Arbeloa was keen to bring Pitarch to England after working with him at Real Madrid and Real Madrid Castilla, where he became familiar with the young midfielder’s qualities.
However, Pitarch has opted against leaving the Spanish capital. According to Diario AS, one of the main reasons for his decision is the confidence Mourinho has placed in him.
The Portuguese coach had already received enthusiastic reports about Pitarch’s potential before taking charge. Mourinho is now understood to be planning to give the academy graduate opportunities with Real Madrid’s first team.
Pitarch is currently missing Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations because of an injury. That setback has not altered Mourinho’s intentions, with the manager continuing to believe in the midfielder and his ability to contribute at senior level.
Fulham’s interest represented a possible route to regular first-team football in England, particularly with Arbeloa eager to work again with a player he knows from his time at Real Madrid and Real Madrid Castilla. Pitarch, though, has chosen to stay and pursue his prospects under Mourinho rather than accept the move to the Premier League.
The decision means Real Madrid retain a highly regarded young player who has attracted the attention of a Premier League club. It also reflects the importance of Mourinho’s plans for Pitarch, despite the midfielder being unable to take part in the club’s current pre-season programme.
For now, Pitarch’s immediate progress remains affected by injury, but the support of Mourinho has helped persuade him that his future is best served by continuing at Real Madrid.