Real Madrid News
Barcelona superstar reveals he was close to joining Real Madrid – “I had several opportunities”
Ferran Torres has been one of the protagonists for the Barcelona team, which has been able to reclaim their position at the top of the league table after a win over Levante.
Torres has scored as many as 16 goals in all competitions this season and is a vital cog in the Barcelona frontline, sharing game-time with Robert Lewandowski.
Since joining Barcelona in 2022, the player has made close to 200 competitive appearances for the Blaugrana. But there was a time when he had the opportunity to join Real Madrid.
Ferran on the chance to sign for Real Madrid
In a recent interview with COPE (h/t Defensa Central), Ferran has revealed that earlier in his career, he had several opportunities to join Real Madrid.
“When I was young I had several opportunities to sign for Real Madrid, but we saw that it wasn’t the right time,” he said.
Ferran revealed that Real Madrid had once approached him after a World Cup, while the remaining three times, he was approached when he was still a youth player.
“In one instance, I was at the World Cup and I joined Valencia’s first team, and I think it went well,” he said. “The other three opportunities came when I was younger.”
However, the former Manchester City starlet explained that he didn’t join Real Madrid because he wanted to be closer to his family.
“You place more importance on being closer to home, so my family and I decided to stay,” he added.
Ferran was always a talented player from his early days. He made his breakthrough at Valencia and didn’t leave the club until 2020, when he joined Manchester City.
But after a poor spell at Etihad, he joined Barcelona in 2022. Although the Spaniard didn’t have the greatest of starts to his Barça career, his fortunes have changed under current boss Hansi Flick.
With a contract until 2030, Ferran is unlikely to leave Barcelona anytime soon either.
Real Madrid News
Uruguayan legend picks the Real Madrid player he would sign for Atletico Madrid: ‘Has a lot of Atleti DNA’
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are set to lock horns in just a few hours, and the overall feeling is that the clash is well balanced.
Los Blancos have been in better form heading into the clash, especially in terms of results. Atletico Madrid, however, are unbeaten so far this season at home. Moreover, Real Madrid’s record at the Metropolitano in recent years has been poor.
One of the biggest focus points during the game, needless to say, will be the midfield for it is the department where Real Madrid have relatively struggled this season.
Should they control the game and create chances through the middle, their prospects of winning will improve significantly.
Godin’s pick for Atletico Madrid
Speaking to DAZN ahead of the derby, former Atletico Madrid player and Uruguayan legend Diego Godin was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to sign for Los Rojiblancos.
His answer, needless to say, was quite straightforward as he picked his compatriot and Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde.
“Which Real Madrid player would I sign for Atletico? Fede Valverde.”
Elaborating on what makes Valverde a strong pick for his former side, the ex-defender said,
“He is one of the most complete players in Madrid, and is captain this season.”
He also spoke on how Valverde’s dynamism makes him a special player, saying,
“He can play all positions on the pitch, and is also a humble guy. He has a lot of Atleti DNA.”
Set to start
Valverde has been stellar for Real Madrid so far this season, and all signs point to him starting in the derby later today in the defensive midfield.
The Uruguayan star will likely be paired with Aurelien Tchouameni for the high-octane clash, and will thus have a lot of defensive responsibility thrust on his shoulders.
Given Real Madrid’s relative lack of press from the attacking department, Valverde and Co. will have to put in a tireless shift on Sunday if Real Madrid are to control the game at any point. Needless to say, he will be up for the challenge.
