Atletico Madrid News
Alvaro Morata defends Real Madrid superstar’s celebration style: “Everyone has the right”
A lot has been made of Vinicius Jr’s Samba dance celebration in recent days. The youngster’s post-goal ritual is considered offensive and disrespectful by some sections, however, it has always been the norm for Brazilians to be edgy with their celebrations.
Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata was asked his opinion on the situation earlier this week and he proceeded to defend the Real Madrid player by saying (h/t MARCA):
“He is a good boy and I don’t think he wants to offend anyone. Everyone has the right to celebrate goals as they like as long as it is with respect towards us and our fans.”
This becomes significant given that the two Madrid-based sides are set to clash this weekend. Needless to say, there is tension over how Vinicius’ celebration will be taken by fans in Wanda Metropolitano during the heat of a derby.
Los Rojiblancos’ captain Koke gave his two cents on the matter too but was not optimistic of it going down well at the Metropolitano.
Real Madrid are currently unbeaten in eight games and face their biggest threat yet on Sunday night. It will not be easy for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, especially given that they will be without the services of Karim Benzema.
All eyes will thus be on Vinicius to make the difference for the men in white. In just five league appearances, the 22-year-old has four goals and an assist to his name and seems set to break records this season.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea contact PSG midfielder’s agent with player set to leave
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are among the clubs that have made contact with the agent of PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is set to leave this summer.
This claim comes from journalist Martin Arevalo on ESPN, who states that apart from Atletico and Chelsea, an unnamed third club have also established contact with the Argentine international’s representative.
Paredes has been on PSG’s books since January 2019, when he arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg. For a large part of his time at the French capital outfit, the midfielder had been a regular starter in the side.
However, last summer saw Paredes get shipped out on loan to Juventus. He has played 33 times for the Bianconeri this season with a return of one goal and assist apiece.
The Serie A heavyweights, who were recently hit with a 10-point deduction, have the option to purchase him permanently. But, as per the report, his relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri is not good and a return to PSG is on the cards.
And considering that he is not in the plans back at Parc des Princes either, a permanent departure away seems set in stone for Paredes.
As such, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and an unnamed club have shown interest in acquiring his services by making contact with the 28-year-old World Cup winner’s agent.
With Koke entering the final phase of his career and Geoffrey Kondogbia expected to leave at the end of the season, the Rojiblancos could do with reinforcements in the centre of the park.
Paredes, who has plenty of experience at the highest level and is known for his aggressive mentality, can be a good fit into Diego Simeone’s setup at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, with Chelsea also in the picture, things could get tricky for the Colchoneros. After all, Atleti are operating on tight finances and are looking for bargain and free transfer signings in the market with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Jordi Alba, and Raphael Guerreiro emerging as targets.
