Lucas Hernandez reveals he snubbed interest from Real Madrid | OneFootball

Bayern Munich defender Lucas Hernandez says he turned down the chance to join Real Madrid prior to his move to Bayern Munich.

Hernandez joined Bayern from Atlético Madrid in an €80m deal this summer which was at the time a club record transfer for the Bundesliga champions.

And the 23-year-old has now revealed that he also snubbed an offer to join Real Madrid out of loyalty to Atleti.

“Real had already made a move for me, it’s true, but not this summer,” he told France Football.

“And I wouldn’t go there. Not after having worn the colours of Atlético for such a long time.”

Hernandez has made a solid start to life at the Allianz Arena, something he partly attributes to a big show of faith the club put in him when he signed.

“When we were in discussions, they asked me what number I wanted. I told them I would have 21,” he said.

“I won the World Cup with the No.21. At Atlético, when I took the No.21, we won the European Super Cup. I told them that this was the number I wanted and, if they could give me it, that would be good.

“They told me that was Philipp Lahm’s number and that no-one had worn it since he had retired, but they told me they’d give me it if I signed for them. It’s just one example of the confidence that they’ve placed in me.”