Lucas Hernandez: Theo was aware that going to Real Madrid would spark criticism

Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez has indicated that his brother Theo knew what was to follow after his departure from Los Rojiblancos to Real Madrid in the summer of 2017.

Theo, the younger of the two siblings, won the Champions League last season before joining Real Sociedad on a season-long loan deal in the summer.

"Theo was aware that going to Real Madrid would spark criticism, but time cures everything," Lucas said in a joint-interview with his brother for the Air Europa magazine.

On his part, Theo explained his decision to move to Atletico's arch-rivals.

"Of course I feel fond of Atletico," he said.

"But I have started another new chapter, in which I am very happy and I hope to stay at Real Madrid for the rest of my life.

"I would explain to the fans that I was very happy at Atletico, but I decided to start a new chapter at the best club in the world."

Last season, Atletico won the Europa League and the players celebrated with their fans in Madrid, but Theo attempted to rile up the fans of his old team after Madrid won the Champions League by chanting by the statue of Neptuno, where Los Rojiblancos celebrate their trophy victories.

"I began singing at Neptuno, 'Whoever doesn't jump is a Real Madrid fan'," said Theo.

"My teammates told me I had to reply and that was the best place.

"These are kids' jokes, although there are people who take it very badly, but what they say to me goes in one ear and out the other."

The France international went on to reveal what he felt when Theo lifted the major European club trophy.

"I was happy for him, because winning the Champions League at the age of 20 is the best thing [that can happen] at the club level," said Lucas.

"I was lucky to play a final, but I lost against Madrid."