Frozen-out Coentrao threatens December walk-out

Ex Benfica winger endures difficult start to life in Spain

Real Zaragoza forward Fabio Coentrao has found the start of his career in Spain a little difficult. The former Benfica player, who is on loan to the second division side, has yet to feature in a single minute of playing time for his new club.

The problem it seems is that the 20-year-old is the subject of disciplinary action taken against him for a nightly escapade.

The club are trying to teach the young Portuguese player a lesson in squad etiquette, although the player swears that he only broke the rules once and understands that it is something he should not have done, but feels he is paying a dear penalty for his transgression.

“What happened happened and I never did it again. I admit that I did go out once, but at the time I was not familiar with the internal rules. When it happened, I did not know that it was prohibited,” confessed Coentrao to sports daily Diario Equipo.

“Since then we have had two or three matches and I do not want to believe that I have been left out because of disciplinary reasons. Is it due to a lack of quality? I believe in my abilities and I do have quality.”

December deadline

The former Rio Ave starlet admits that he is still enjoying his time in Spain and likes the club very much, but has issued a warning that if the situation continues, then he will have to leave come the winter transfer window and seek regular football elsewhere.

“Playing is the only thing that I am lacking. I would like to play as quickly as possible. We have played four matches and I still have not made my debut. I am 20 years old and I need to play.

“As a result of what has happened, I have established December as a deadline. If it continues like this, where I do not play, then I have to find a solution because it cannot continue like this. I am not willing to be in this situation for much longer.”