Lucas Hernandez Says He Rejected Transfer Approach from Real Madrid Last Summer

Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez has said he turned down the chance to move to rivals Real Madrid in the summer. 

The France international enjoyed a superb 2018 FIFA World Cup, excelling at left-back in the team that went on to clinch glory in Russia. With Atletico, he's also shown he can operate as a right-back or at centre-back.

In an interview with Radio Monte Carlo, Hernandez revealed he attracted Real's interest last summer but made it clear he wouldn't cross the city divide (h/t AS):

"My agent told me about it. When he said there was an opportunity to go to Real Madrid, I told him I couldn't do that. Atletico are my club, a team who have given me everything. I'm an honest person and I couldn't go to Madrid. I hope I can stay here for a very long time, but football moves very fast. If an offer comes in that I can't refuse."

Although transfers between these two bitter rivals are rare, the defender's brother, Theo Hernandez, moved from Atletico to Real in the summer of 2017. Having struggled to make an impact in his debut season, the left-back joined Real Sociedad on loan for this campaign.

With Marcelo as the first-choice left-back and Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane as the starting centre-backs, Lucas would also find it tough to force his way into first-team contention at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He faces a regular battle to get games under Diego Simeone at the Wanda Metropolitano. This season, he's started six matches in all competitions, operating on the left or in the centre of defence.

In addition to Real Madrid links, Marca recently reported that Manchester United had made a move for the World Cup winner (h/t Sport Witness):

Whenever Lucas takes to the field, his defensive instincts stand out. He's an intelligent reader of the game, able to shut down space and pinch the ball from opponents.

The fact he is able to showcase these traits in numerous positions makes him a brilliant option for both Simeone and France manager Didier Deschamps. In the long term, his natural position could be as a centre-back, although Lucas' versatility will always ensure he gets minutes.

At the World Cup, the Atletico man also showed he can make an impact in the final third:

Lucas appears to have an affinity with Atletico, having come through the club's ranks. With that in mind, he will be intent on cementing his place in the starting XI at the Wanda for years to come.

He faces a fight given the quality defensive options available to Simeone. But with Diego Godin now 32 and Filipe Luis 33, it's surely only a matter of time before he becomes a mainstay of the starting XI.