Real Madrid News
‘Either return or play here’: Serie A coach makes big admission over ex-Real Madrid starlet’s future
Even though the summer transfer window is still some way away, Real Madrid have pretty much secured their first signing in the form of Nico Paz.
Indeed, the Argentine playmaker, who has been excelling at Como over the past two seasons, is primed to return to the Santiago Bernabeu, as Los Blancos plan to activate their €9 million buyback option for the former La Fabrica talent.
However, of late, there have been speculations that Inter Milan are pushing hard to sign Nico, with their vice-president, Javier Zanetti, even meeting the youngster.
Cesc Fabregas shuts down Inter speculations
However, Como manager Cesc Fabregas has firmly shut the doors on Nico’s potential move to Inter Milan, confirming that the midfielder will either remain under him or return to Real Madrid next season.
“Nico is 50% a Como player, but he’s ours. The only club that can say anything is Real Madrid . If I can say one thing, I know it for sure: Nico Paz won’t play for Inter. He’ll either return to Real Madrid or play for Como next year,” Fabregas said (h/t MARCA).
This comes as a direct response to Zanetti’s comments about Nico, where he had said:
“I love Nico Paz , both as a player and as a person. His father was my roommate at the 1998 World Cup. I’m happy for him now; great players are certainly sought after by great clubs.”
Addressing Zanetti’s comments, Fabregas remarked: “Has Javier Zanetti spoken about Nico Paz? I’m sorry. Zanetti has been a very important figure in the world of football; he knows how things work. The only club that can say anything is Real Madrid.
“I know that Zanetti doesn’t work for either Real Madrid or Como, so we have to show respect. There are also some little messages that I don’t like.”
“If I may say one thing, this is clear to me: Nico Paz will not play for Inter. He will either return to Real Madrid or play for Como next season,” he concluded.
Nico Paz back at Real Madrid
A product of La Fabrica, Nico Paz made his first-team debut for Real Madrid during the 2023/24 season under Carlo Ancelotti. He went on to play eight senior games, scoring one goal, before joining Como in the summer of 2024.
In his two years in Italy, the 21-year-old playmaker has racked up 19 goals and 17 assists from 75 games, helping the Serie A club secure qualification from European football next season.
Having gained valuable experience and proven himself, Nico is now all set to return to Real Madrid in the summer, with the club planning for next season with him as part of the squad.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
