Nacho: The doctor told me football was over for me
Ever since he was 12 years old, Nacho has had diabetes, and at one point, that even threatened to end his career before it had even started.
The Spanish defender has fit in excellently and is enjoying his best Real Madrid campaign to date, although few realise how close he came to not being given clearance to play.
"The doctor had told me that football was over for me," Nacho looked back. "I remember we had a tournament in Madrid when I was younger and I wasn't allowed to travel with the rest of my teammates."
Nevertheless, another doctor gave him permission all the same, stating how important sport can be in a child's wellbeing, and the Spaniard remains grateful to this day.
"That Monday, my life came back to me," he continued. "I have to try three times as hard to take care of myself but that makes you a more responsible person.
"I have to be a little bit careful with what I eat, but everything I want to do, I am able to."