Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid winger looks back on time at the club – ‘I took Bale’s place’
Former Real Madrid winger Jese Rodriguez recently shared his thoughts with AS about his time at the club.
Now 32 years old, Jese played the 2024/25 season in Malaysia for Johor Darul Ta’zim and ended the campaign with two trophies.
When asked how he felt about his Madrid years, Jese said, “I enjoyed it a lot. The heavyweights helped me a lot.
“They were great players, and we also won titles. When you win titles with the best team in the world, you feel things you’ve never felt before.”
Relationship with Ronaldo
Talking about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, Jese explained, “We lost contact some time ago, but I’m sure that if we see each other or I write to him, we’ll talk.
“Sergio Ramos, the Churu, is the one I still have the best relationship with.”
He also recalled the funny nicknames they shared. It is said that Ronaldo was called the ‘bug’ and Jese was called the ‘little bug’.
“That’s true. He liked it and I liked it too. Cristiano called me every day (laughs). At that time, I was competing with Bale. One day he played, another day I played… until I got injured.”
Thoughts on Xabi Alonso and CWC
When asked if Xabi Alonso can succeed as a coach at Real Madrid, Jese replied, “The problem is that people want results now.
“You have to give people time. It’s not that easy. Xabi comes with a different system and different methods.
“Plus, he has to impose his stamp on the heavyweights. They have to believe in him and give him time.”
Jese also shared his views on the Club World Cup, saying, “I watch a lot of football; I love it. You can never rule out Real Madrid, but there are probably other stronger teams.
“I hope they win. You have to keep in mind that the players are coming off a long season, it’s hot, the schedules are complicated… It’s not easy to play. I like the competition.”
Lastly, when asked if he felt disrespected for not reaching the level many expected of him, Jese said honestly, “It’s divided, I think. There are people who respect me and people who don’t. I’ve felt disrespect and also praise.
“Those who know me know what I’m like, as a player and as a person, and the others don’t keep me awake at night.
“Every player has their own career. I haven’t changed because I scored 15 goals and took Bale’s place before, nor because I’m in a different position now… I’m the same,” he added.
Real Madrid News
Nico Paz’s message to Real Madrid after historic Champions League night: ‘I made the right decision’
Como had a night to remember in the history of their football club, taking part in the Champions League for the first time.
The Italian side’s rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable, and under the astute guidance of Cesc Fabregas, they have reached the biggest competition in club football.
Como faced RB Leipzig on their Champions League debut, securing a 4-1 victory to mark the occasion, with Nico Paz starring for the Italians.
He delivered another reminder of his development away from Real Madrid, and the 22-year-old has become a star in his own right.
Paz shines on historic night for Como
The former Madrid academy attacking midfielder produced two assists as Como secured the win against the Bundesliga side.
As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Paz made it clear that he has no regrets about choosing to continue his career in Italy.
“It was a historic night. We played an incredible match. We were really looking forward to playing this game. I think we approached it in the best possible way. We are happy with the match we played,” Paz said.
Paz had already established himself as an important player in Serie A. Performing with similar influence in the Champions League is another test entirely, and he passed it with flying colours.
The Argentine also addressed his decision to remain at Como rather than return to Real Madrid.
“I thought this was the place where I was going to grow the most, and I think I made the right decision. I am very happy with my decision,” he said.
At Madrid, Paz would have entered an extremely competitive midfield and faced uncertainty over regular minutes.
At Como, he has responsibility, continuity and now the opportunity to develop through Champions League football.
The 22-year-old believes evenings such as the victory over Leipzig demonstrate why staying was the correct choice.
The road not taken ft. Nico Paz
Paz is one of the biggest examples that the conventional path to stardom is not the only way for young players in their footballing careers.
Many starlets are guilty of moving to big clubs earlier than they are ready and then seeing their development stagnate because of a lack of minutes.
Paz, on the other hand, has consistently veered away from this. Despite coming through Castilla, he has built a career for himself in Italy.
There is absolutely no doubt who the star of this Como team is, and the 22-year-old gets more responsibility at a young age than he would have at a club like Madrid.
The Serie A side is proving to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in Europe, and Madrid fans in particular will be curious to see how Paz fares over the course of the campaign.
