Real Madrid News
Dumfries shares his thoughts after first day at Real Madrid: ‘Very proud and happy to be here’
Real Madrid new signing Denzel Dumfries joined the first-team squad for pre-season on Tuesday, becoming the first summer arrival to train under Jose Mourinho.
The Dutch right-back completed his first full day of work at Real Madrid City, where he was introduced to the Portuguese coach’s methods.
Having already visited Valdebebas on Monday to meet his new teammates and hold an initial conversation with Mourinho, he officially began life as a Real Madrid player today.
Medical before training
The day began with the routine medical examination, which Dumfries completed without any issues.
After leaving the medical facilities, the Dutch international spent time greeting supporters waiting outside Valdebebas, signing autographs and posing for photographs before heading to his first training session.
Once on the pitch, Dumfries took part in a mixed programme of gym work and ball drills alongside his new teammates.
‘An honour to be here’
Following training, Dumfries spoke to Real Madrid TV and expressed his delight after his first day with the club.
“After the first training session, I feel great. After the holidays, I’m happy to get started. It’s an honour to be here,” the new signing said.
“The facilities are incredible. Very large. You can get lost very quickly. They are helping me to know where everything is,” he added.
“I’m very proud to be here, to be part of this club. The start has gone very well.”
He also praised the welcome he has received since arriving in Madrid, saying: “My teammates have welcomed me very well.
“Several are still on vacation for the World Cup, but those who are here have received me very warmly: the coaching staff, the manager…
“I’ve felt very welcome. We have a great team and a great manager. It’s great to work with them and learn from them.”
The defender added that one of his first objectives away from the pitch is to learn Spanish as quickly as possible.
Ready for the new challenge
Dumfries joins Real Madrid after several strong seasons with Inter Milan, although his most recent campaign was disrupted by a number of fitness issues. But there is confidence within the club that he can leave those behind and make a major impact.
With the new season only a few weeks away, the right-back outlined the mindset he intends to bring to pre-season, saying:
“In pre-season you build the foundations for the season. New players will arrive during pre-season, it’s important for everyone to get to know each other and work hard. Those are the most important things.”
Dumfries also had a message for the Real Madrid supporters, as he said:
“Delighted to meet you all. I’m very proud and happy to be here. We’re going to fight for our goals. It’s an honour to play for Real Madrid and we’re going to make you proud.”
Having completed his first training session at Valdebebas, Dumfries is expected to make his unofficial debut in one of Real Madrid’s upcoming pre-season friendlies as he continues to adapt ahead of the start of the new campaign.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
