Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos received a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd after his standout performance against Las Palmas on Sunday evening.
It was a brilliant all-round performance from a player who, more often than not, has been reduced to bit-part role but once again showed he is capable of much more than that.
According to journalist Jorge C Picon, having struggled with a lack of regularity due to injuries and decisions made by manager Carlo Ancelotti, Ceballos spent many months feeling frustrated, unable to show his true potential.
As a result, rumours of a possible departure have been frequent in recent times, with the report stating that the Spanish international had entertained the possibility of returning to his former club, Real Betis.
Ceballos came close to joining Los Verdiblancos last summer, although negotiations fell through. There have been hints dropped about a possible return from both sides since then.
Not long ago, more specifically during the months of October and November, Ceballos was still seriously considering whether to stay at Madrid or return to his boyhood club.
Los Blancos informed him that if an offer from Real Betis arrived in January, they would facilitate his departure, as a sign of respect for his professionalism.
At that time, with Ceballos spending more time on the bench than on the pitch, he was inclined to leave if the opportunity arose.
However, a couple of months later, the situation has flipped 180 degrees. Ceballos is living his best moment since arriving at Real Madrid, which motivates him to stay.
This is mainly because, for the first time since signing in 2017, he is being relied upon regularly, both as a starter and as a substitute. He has played in the last 15 matches, starting eight and coming on at half-time in two others.
After Sunday’s game, he confirmed as much, saying: "The decision is final. I have spoken with the club and the coach. I am staying until the end of the season for sure. I wish Betis the best, even though they are not in a good run of form."
With the injuries to Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, along with the evident lack of fluidity in midfield, Ceballos is pushing for a regular spot in the starting XI.