Tag Archives: Real Madrid

Real Madrid star breaks down in tears, bemoans racist abuse in Spain

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Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior broke down in tears at Monday’s news conference as he admitted he has “less will to play” because of racist abuse directed toward him in Spain.

The Real Madrid forward, however, said he is not considering leaving LaLiga despite the racist chants he has heard by opposing fans since he arrived at Madrid more than five years ago.

“I’ve been here for a long time watching this and I feel more and more sad,” Vinícius said. “I have less and less will to play. With each complaint made I feel worse, but I have to appear here and show my face.

“I have asked for help from UEFA, FIFA, CONMEBOL, CBF they can fight against that. The problem that exists in Spain is that racism is not a crime.”

Vinícius spoke in Madrid ahead of Brazil’s international friendly against Spain, a game organised by the two federations to raise awareness of racism.

“I am sure that Spain is not a racist country, but there are many racists and many of them are in the stadiums,” he said. “We have to change because many of them don’t know what racism is. At 23 years old I have to teach many Spaniards what racism is.”

Vinícius has been a leading voice in the fight against racism. Last year the Vinícius Júnior law was passed in Brazil to combat racism at sporting events.

“Playing football is important, but the fight against racism is very important,” he said. “Let people of colour have a normal life. If this were the case, I would go to my club’s games focused only on playing. The only thing I want is to continue playing and for everyone to have a normal life.

“Of course, because there are so many people in football, so many better players than me that have passed through here, and I want to make sure that people in the world can evolve and improve. And that we can have equality.

“That in the very near future we can have fewer cases of racism, and that Black people can have a normal life like everyone else. I want to keep fighting for that. Even because, as I said before, if it was just for me, I would have given up, because I stay at home, where no one will swear at me, I go to the games with my head centred on the game so that I can do the best for my team.

“It’s not always possible, so I have to concentrate hard every day,” he added before breaking down in tears and getting the applause of people at the news conference.

Vinícius then spoke about the media’s approach to reporting on the abuse he has suffered.

“I think they have to talk less about everything I do wrong on the pitch, that of course I have to evolve and improve, but I’m only 23 and it’s a natural process,” he said.

“I left Brazil very young and haven’t been able to learn many things. I’m studying. I’m 23 and I’m still studying. Why can’t they, the reporters here, who are older than me, study and see what’s really going on? I’m getting sadder and sadder, I feel less and less like playing. But I’m going to keep fighting.

“Above all, I get [strength] from my family, from the fans and from those people who give me messages of encouragement to continue fighting for those who need it.”

LaLiga has filed numerous complaints in Spanish courts over alleged racist and hate insults directed at Vinícius, but many have been shelved.

Arrests have been made by Spanish police regarding racist episodes over the past year.

“The lack of punishment is what frustrates me the most, that nothing happens to all those people that do that,” Vinícius said.

Vinícius, who has a contract with Real Madrid until June 2027, is determined to continue playing in Spain.

“I have never thought about leaving LaLiga because otherwise I would give the racists what they want,” he said.

“I am going to continue in the best club in the world, scoring many goals so that they continue to see me. Racists are a minority. As I am a daring player, who plays for Madrid and we win many titles, it is very complicated. I’m going to continue because the president supports me, the club supports me and I’m going to continue to win many things.”

Photo Credit: CBF_Futebol/ X

Revealed: Why Real Madrid may call off move for Chelsea, PSG target

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Real Madrid are reportedly long-term admirers of Lille centre-back Leny Yoro and have been receiving positive reports about his progress but there’s a debate within the club over whether to try and sign him in this summer’s transfer window.

Yoro, 18, has a contract at Lille until June 2025 and a number of top European clubs are monitoring his situation with an eye to a deal.

Madrid’s priority signings for the 2024-25 season are the arrival of Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain and bringing in Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies.

According to ESPN, some at Madrid believe they should wait another year before investing the €50 million ($54.3m) which Lille expect to receive for the teenager should they allow him to move on.

Others argue that it’s worth moving for him now, believing that if Madrid don’t do so this summer, the defender will end up joining another club.

The report adds that Madrid would be best-positioned to sign Yoro if they opted to push for his signature, but said that PSG and Chelsea are also keen.

Yoro’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has an excellent relationship with PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos.

Yoro has reportedly been in contact with at least two players from the Madrid first team in recent months to get an idea of what awaits him at the Bernabeu if a deal comes to fruition.

Madrid have four senior central defenders in their squad: Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba and Nacho Fernandez.

Yoro would fit into the club’s long-standing policy of signing outstanding young prospects from Europe and around the world, such as Vinícius Júnior, Eduardo Camavinga, Rodrygo Goes and Endrick.

However, there is no consensus within the club on his signing as Madrid’s initial plan had been to delay the rebuild of the centre of defence until the summer of 2025.

Alaba and Rudiger are both 31, while Militao is just 26.

Madrid are also concerned about the prospect of a bidding war for Yoro’s signature, which would raise the potential cost of a deal.

Photo Credit:losclive/ X

Real Madrid team bus involved in accident in Germany on way to RB Leipzig Champions League clash

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A bus carrying Real Madrid’s first team squad to its hotel for a Champions League last 16 first leg clash with RB Leipzig suffered an accident on Monday.

The LaLiga giants are travelling to Germany for their round of 16 clash on Tuesday night.

The Real Madrid squad landed in Erfurt, Germany this morning ahead of a 100-mile drive to their final destination.

The team had to fly to Erfurt rather than Leipzig due to a strike at Leipzig Airport

However, German newspaper Bild has reported that the bus was involved in a collision with a white Toyota on the A4 between Eichelborn and Nohra.

The car’s driver is said to have overlooked the bus while changing lanes and broke the exterior mirror.

It has been estimated that the cost of the damage to the Toyota is £2,560.

There was minimal damage to the Real Madrid bus with only some scratches visible on the driver’s side.

The collision did cause a brief stop to the team’s journey but after checking that everyone was okay and the bus was fine they continued on their way.

Real Madrid’s squad including the likes of Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde were on board along with the technical staff.

The bus finally arrived at the team hotel Steigenberger in downtown Leipzig before 3pm.

Real Madrid star Casemiro reveals his discussion with Neymar amid Los Blancos interest in Brazilian

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Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has explained how he speaks to Neymar ‘most days’ and would love his fellow Brazilian in the Spanish capital.

The former Santos forwad has continually been linked with a return to Spain since his departure with Barcelona and Los Blancos said to be keen on a future transfer.

However, despite a prolonged saga of multiple reports claiming that the clubs were in negotiations and a deal was on the verge of completion, no move has yet to materialise, report Football Espana.

“Me and Neymar talk more days, and I would love to have him here at Real Madrid,” Casemiro explained to Onda Cero.

“Both of them (Neymar and Kylian Mbappe) are two explosive players and totally different.

Casemiro also heaped praise on current Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane: “It is an honour to have Zidane in the locker room. He knows how to speak very well with the players and for us he is the best thing that can happen is to have him as a Coach.

“Our success is down to luck? That is ridiculous, we work very hard and prepare for every game and outcome.”

Isco tells Real Madrid President about his decision over Chelsea move

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Real Madrid star Isco has reportedly told club President Florentino Perez not to sell him to Chelsea.

There are reports that the Los Blancos have offered the 27-year-old to the London club for £44 million as the Spanish giants are planning to raise money for January transfer deals.

Spanish publication El Desmarque claim Isco has confirmed his decision to Perez.

Isco has distanced himself from joining the Stamford Bridge club in favour of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, where he’s viewed as a long-term successor to David Silva.

Chelsea are expected to be active in the transfer market with the hope of strenghtening their team after CAS halved their two-window transfer ban.

Half-Time Report: Benzema hands Real Madrid lead PSG as Courtois red card, penalty overturned by VAR

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Karim Benzema’s goal separates the two sides at the break, but that is far from the big talking point, despite the hosts having the better chances.

Thibaut Courtois was given his marching orders right on half time after a foul on Mauro Icardi.

However his dismissal and the subsequent penalty were overturned by VAR!!!

Just a sensational 45 minutes of football with all the skill, wit, intensity, strategy and creativity you could possibly wish for.

Madrid the better side, for sure, but with no margin for error. Hazard’s best game in white.

Paris head to their dressing room frustrated not to be level, but they should likewise feel relieved not to be further behind.

Madrid had the better of an absorbing first 45 minutes and the visitors – kept in the game by Navas – will need to channel their frustration after the break if they wish to turn this match around.

Photo Credit: Twitter @realmadrid.com

Chelsea star offered to Real Madrid

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There are reports Chelsea star Willian has been offered to Real Madrid on a free transfer next summer.

The 31-year-old is in the last year of his current deal at Stamford Bridge and becomes a free agent in July – with Barcelona also monitoring the situation.

But reports in Spain claim the player’s representatives are contacting clubs to stir up interest.

Spanish website Defensa Central report Real Madrid have been sounded out to see if they are keen on bringing the Brazilian to the Santiago Bernabeu.

REVEALED: Why Gareth Bale’s €1m-per-week China move was called off

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There are reports that Gareth Bale’s proposed transfer to Jiangsu Suning has been called off.

Bale looked to be headed for Jiangsu and possibly Inter, the forward having reportedly agreed a €1m wage with the Chinese club.

However, BBC Sport and Sky Sports are now claiming the deal is no more and that the 30-year-old will stay at Madrid this summer.

The Telegraph, in particular, explains the move was vetoed by Los Blancos’ board and he will therefore not join Jiangsu before Wednesday’s deadline.

The report from David Ornstein adds that Madrid have called off the proposed move – following on from a season-ending injury to Marco Asensio.

Asensio is expected to miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

Bale celebrated his 30th birthday last week and is said not to be part of Zinedine Zidane’s plans at the Bernabeu, while the Madrid fans have turned on him.

It now remains to be seen whether the Welshman can patch things up with Coach Zinedine Zidane after he publicly discarded the player.

In turn, according to Football Italia, Madrid may let Napoli target James Rodriguez move on, although there is still no suggestion that they will accept anything other than a permanent sale.

Solskjaer changes his mind over Paul Pogba move, tells Manchester United his latest decision on midfielder

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Reports in England state that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Manchester United bosses he wants to sell Paul Pogba as Real Madrid and Juventus intensify efforts to sign the Old Trafford club’s midfielder.

The former Old Lady’s star has been heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu and Turin club. He recently admitted that he was looking for a ‘new challenge’ .

According to the Metro, Solskjaer want to offload the Frenchman so he can reinvest the funds in improving his squad.

United have maintained that Pogba is not for sale and it would take an enormous offer to change that stance, but the Daily Star claim Solskjaer is ready to sanction a move.

The Red Devils have only given Solskjaer a summer transfer kitty of £100million to spend after failing to qualify for the Champions League, meaning they have just £27m left once Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s move is finalised.

But Solskjaer knows his rebuild will cost far more than that, with a centre-back, defensive midfielder and playmaker all on his agenda, and is ready to sacrifice Pogba to bolster the funds available to him.

United will demand in excess of £140m for Pogba, all of which will be given to Solskjaer to continue his summer rebuild, while they also hope to raise funds from the sales of players like Romelu Lukaku and Matteo Darmian.

Solskjaer’s modest budget has seen United pull out of the running for the likes of Jadon Sancho and Kalidou Koulibaly, while they fear being blow out of the water by rivals City in the race for Harry Maguire.