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Dani Ceballos, a mainstay at Real Madrid since 2017, save for a loan spell at Arsenal, has sparked intrigue among football fans with a cryptic Instagram post shared with his nearly five million followers.
The 28-year-old midfielder wrote, "Nothing clears the conscience more than 'I tried everything'," prompting speculation about his future.
Accompanying the message was a snap of his latest read, Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Anna Lembke, further fuelling debate about whether the book's title carries a deeper meaning.
Ceballos, a product of Real Betis' youth academy, has often been linked with a return to his boyhood club. Reflecting on his time there, he said, "Betis were my home and always will be... I hope their door stays open for me."
His comments, made during a recent holiday, have reignited talk of a potential move back to Seville, where he first made his name before joining Real Madrid and amassing an impressive haul of 14 trophies, including three Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and two Spanish Super Cups.
In 2023, Real Madrid confirmed Ceballos had signed a contract extension until 2027. However, under manager Xabi Alonso, his role in the squad has diminished. During the FIFA Club World Cup, Alonso opted for other midfield options, including Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Federico Valverde, leaving Ceballos on the periphery.
Addressing his future, Ceballos said, "I'm on holiday now after a long season. My future is important, but I'll discuss it in a few weeks. Betis were my home and always will be... I hope their door stays open. I haven't spoken to them yet, but we're open to everything."
As Ceballos enjoys his break, his future remains a hot topic. Will he stay and fight for his place at Real Madrid, or will the pull of his former home prove too strong?
For now, the midfielder's enigmatic messages keep fans guessing.
