Real Madrid defender Nacho was restored to the starting line-up for the La Liga clash against Athletic Bilbao.

Nacho has struggled for playing time this season, but is now getting more action following the injuries to Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez.

The 33-year-old whose future at the club is in doubt, put in a solid shift against Bilbao.

Nacho then made a bold statement by suggesting that the team tends to perform poorly when he doesn’t play.

“This year has been difficult for me,” Nacho told the media.

“I’m happy to show that every time I play I do well. I am happy when I play – when I don’t play, things look different…” the Real Madrid veteran added.