Real Madrid Champions League hero chooses Qatari adventure over Los Blancos stay

Los Blancos striker Joselu Mato has reportedly decided against joining Real Madrid on a permanent transfer this summer after a successful loan spell as a move to Qatari side Al Gharafa is set to materialise.

Despite reports that Real Madrid were willing to make Joselu’s loan from Espanyol permanent this summer, the Spanish striker has allegedly rejected the chance to join Los Blancos in favour of a move to Al Gharafa in Qatar.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Joselu’s deal with Al Gharafa is already agreed and being finalised, despite Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti being keen on making the Spain international’s relationship with Los Blancos permanent.

Instead, Joselu moves directly from Espanyol to Al Gharafa, who have also been home to greats such as Marcel Desailly, Juninho Pernambucano, and Wesley Sneijder.

Joselu’s one-year loan spell with Real Madrid was nothing short of a fairytale for the 34-year-old Stuttgart-born striker who got to live out his dream of starring for the club he supported as a boy.

After spending time in Real Madrid’s academy and moving abroad to find greener pastures, Joselu returned to the Santiago Bernabeu as a stop-gap option to replace Karim Benzema but became a cult hero at the club.

After 17 goals and three assists, including a match-winning brace against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League semifinal, Joselu’s one year with Real Madrid was clothed in honour.

Joselu leaves Real Madrid after claiming both the UEFA Champions League title and the LaLiga crown as a key member of Ancelotti’s squad.