Carlo Ancelotti thanks Real Madrid star for staying – 'He's an important player for us'

Real Madrid had a fairly quiet summer transfer window, with their only signings – Kylian Mbappe and Endrick Felipe – being wrapped up well before the market opened in July. The only first team departures were Toni Kroos, Nacho Fernandez and Joselu Mato, and they all left in July as well.

It meant that August was a very quiet month, apart from the last day or two. Dani Ceballos was strongly linked with a return to Real Betis, and even handed in a transfer request to seal the move. However, Real Madrid's rating was not includedso the midfielder is signed in Carlo Ancelotti's team.

This is something the Italian is thankful for, despite the fact that Ceballos has struggled for prominence in the last 12 months (via AS Diary).

“He is an important player for us. It is true that he did not have the minutes he wanted or deserved, but we are happy that he has been with us. He will be very useful for the team.”

Ceballos could get more chances in the coming weeks with Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga currently injured. On Sunday, he could also face the club he could have joined when Real Madrid host Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu.