Real Madrid News
David Alaba sends message to Real Madrid fans in his farewell game: ‘Enjoyed the five years’
Real Madrid’s last game of the season, in which the club secured a 4-2 win over Athletic Club, was all about the farewell of Dani Carvajal.
The veteran defender had an emotional message for Real Madrid fans and was celebrated by his teammates throughout the evening.
But Carvajal wasn’t the only Real Madrid veteran playing his final game for the club, as it was also the farewell match for David Alaba, who will also leave at the end of the season.
Alaba’s message to Real Madrid fans
Addressing the fans, David Alaba thanked the club and the supporters for their support in what was a difficult stint in Madrid.
“I’m very shy. Thank you very much for everything. I have enjoyed five many years for you. Thank you for the love and support, we had a lot of success together,” he said (h/t Diario AS).
He made a point of singling out the support he received during the darkest chapter of his time at the club.
“Thank you for a very difficult time in my career with my knee injury. Difficult. Really, thank you for everything.”
He turned the spotlight firmly back onto his departing teammate, making clear who the true headline of the evening was.
“We continue to celebrate with a legend and an incredible person… Daaaaani Carvajal. Thank you for everything.”
What’s next for Alaba?
David Alaba will become a free agent in the coming summer and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Austrian.
He is represented by Pini Zahavi, who also represents his former Bayern Munich teammate Robert Lewandowski. Zahavi was earlier seen in Italy, trying to find a potential destination for Alaba.
Juventus, in fact, have been closely linked with a move for the Austrian. Whether or not the move comes to fruition remains to be seen.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
