Real Madrid News
Barcelona manager Xavi defends Vinicius Jr amidst goal celebration debate
The entire football world has been divided into two distinct groups in recent days in light of the controversy surrounding Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr’s goal celebration. While some have come out supporting the youngster, others find his dance after scoring an insult to the opponents.
Amidst the ongoing debate, Barcelona manager and legend Xavi Hernandez gave his two cents on the matter as quoted by Barça Universal. The Spanish maestro said that he didn’t see anything wrong in celebrating a goal in the fashion Vinicius does.
“Everyone celebrates goals the way they want. Let everyone do what they want as long as they don’t disrespect anyone.”
In light of the criticism around the Brazilian’s post-goal ritual, several of his compatriots have come out in his support on social media including Barcelona’s Raphinha. The new signing wrote on his Instagram: “I want to see dance. I want to see joy.”
Moreover, former Barcelona player and Brazil captain Neymar extended his support to Vinicius by saying: “Dribble, dance & be you! Happy just the way you are. Go for it my boy, next goal we dance.”
Amongst the long list of players to come out in Vinicius’ favour are Thiago Silva, Lucas Paqueta, Richarlison, Paulinho and Alvaro Morata.
Vinicius has been vital in Los Blancos’ eight-game winning streak across all competitions with his five goals and three assists this season. He is expected to start against Atletico Madrid at the weekend and will look to perform his Samba dance on the derby stage.
Arda Guler’s Real Madrid stint has not gotten off to the start he would have hoped to have given the expectation that preceded the transfer.
Having joined in the summer after Real Madrid outbid their competition to win him over from Fenerbahce for a 20-million-euro fee, buzz was high as the winger was expected to slot into the team quite seamlessly, albeit on a rotational basis.
Unfortunately for the 18-year-old, he has been constantly marred by injuries since completing the move.
Reports have stated that after Guler picked up his third injury since his move, Real Madrid have been concerned and want to take things slow with the player to ensure he is fit as soon as possible after an injury to his quadriceps this time.
The Turk is yet to make his competitive debut for the club, and Real Madrid even sacked their medical chief in November, in light of their injury crises since the beginning of the season.
No loan deal for Guler
However, according to Fabrizio Romano in a recent YouTube video, he states that Madrid maintain full trust and patience in the youngster.
Despite his bad luck with injuries, the latest of which he is scheduled to return from after Christmas, the Galacticos have no intention of loaning out Guler to Turkish clubs despite lots of speculation of them doing so of late.
Romano states that Madrid remain firm on not shaking things up too much with the squad, and they want to keep their roster stable, including Arda Guler.
They want to extend their full support and protection to the player as he aims to return to full fitness and finally make his bow for Madrid either by the end of this month or in 2024.
