Real Madrid News
AC Milan want to negotiate with Real Madrid for Spanish attacking midfielder
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that on-loan forward Brahim Diaz will return to Real Madrid at the end of the season and the Merengues are planning on handing him a new long-term contract.
Diaz, 23, is having a fantastic season with the Rossoneri, having registered six goals and three assists in 32 outings across all competitions. The young forward has formed a deadly association with Rafael Leao, as a result of which, Milan are not willing to part ways with the player.
From Real Madrid’s perspective, they want him back as they are more than convinced with his development and given that his current deal runs until 2025, they are ready to reward him with a long-term extension.
In Madrid, they are considering him as part of next season’s project, but Milan will do everything in their power to keep hold of the player.
“He will return from AC Milan. Real Madrid will offer him a new long-term contract. Conversations are going, but let’s see what the player decides. The decision also rests on Milan because they would love to negotiate with Madrid to keep the player,” said Romano in his Here We Go podcast.
It must be remembered that Diaz moved to Milan on loan in the summer of 2020 and spent a year at San Siro, before returning to the club again in 2021, on a two-year stint. In three seasons, the 23-year-old has made more than 100 appearances, scoring 17 goals.
Thanks to his rising stature, Milan are not willing to let go of him easily and given the competition Madrid have in attack, the youngster will surely consider the alternatives.
At Milan, he is living a sweet life. He is getting regular minutes, and is appreciated by the fans and his coach. In Madrid, however, he will have to start a new life altogether. So, it will be interesting to see what the former Manchester City ace decides.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
