Real Madrid News
Fran Garcia talks Real Madrid return, Vinicius, Mendy, Carvajal, Ancelotti: “I feel proud”
Real Madrid unveiled their first signing of the summer transfer window today as Fran Garcia was presented as the club’s new #20 following his return from Rayo Vallecano.
Having left the Merengues three years ago, the 23-year-old left-back returns to the Santiago Bernabeu in a deal worth €5 million, while signing a four-year contract with the club until the summer of 2027.
At the presentation ceremony earlier today, Garcia was asked how he felt after securing a return to his boyhood club, Real Madrid. In response, the Spaniard said:
“I feel proud. I arrived here at the age of 13 and I am very happy to be here. I’ve always said it: my dream was to come back. Real Madrid is my home and I am very happy.”
“It’s a dream to return to Madrid. I’m a very sincere person. I’ve dedicated myself body and soul to the work I’ve done on the pitch to be able to be here today,” he added.
“Madrid gave me the opportunity to return. It was a very special season for me and when I had the chance to come back, the first people I called were two people who are like my family.”
Reflecting on his time at Rayo Vallecano, Garcia said: “I did my three years of military service at Rayo. As a person and as a player I have grown a lot during these three years there and I am grateful for that. I am a very consistent player and I thank Madrid for that because they instilled it in me since I arrived here.”
“[Rayo] It was the club that gave me the opportunity to take my first step as a professional and I thank them for that,” he further added.
When asked about his idols, the 23-year-old named two Real Madrid legends in the form of Marcelo and Roberto Carlos, as he said:
“I played alongside Marcelo and I’m very fond of him because he held out his hand to me. I have a special affection for Roberto Carlos because I learned from him in my first year at Castilla when I had him next to me.”
There is a lot of excitement among the fans to see Garcia operate on the left flank along with Vinicius Jr, who has now been handed the iconic #7 shirt. Talking about playing with the Brazilian, the left-back said:
“We all know the potential of Vini Jr. I will try to do my best and bring home as many titles as possible.”
On being asked whether he thought that he would never get a chance to return to Real Madrid, Garcia replied:
“I have always thought about the day-to-day, about working with respect for Rayo, for the fans, the shield, and my colleagues. This was my dream, but I am a professional. I was thinking about the day-to-day.”
Garcia, now that he has returned, will have to compete with Ferland Mendy for the left-back spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s team. Talking about the Frenchman and the competition for places, he said:
“Ferland is an incredible player, he has shown that during his time at Madrid. I’m here to do great things at the club.”
When asked if he is ready to become a starter, the defender said: “I’m not here to compete with anyone, I’m here to add to the team and the truth is that being able to come here is an incredible dream.”
On whether he has had any talks with Ancelotti, Garcia replied: “The only time was after the home game. He told me that in a month’s time, we would meet at Valdebebas and I am grateful for his words.”
Garcia had been courting interest from German club Bayer Leverkusen in January, which was one of the reasons that prompted Real Madrid to quickly trigger the buyback option. Opening up on the interest from Bundesliga, the left-back said:
“It’s true that there was interest but Madrid had the option to buy me back and I’m happy with how it all turned out.”
Talking about how he wishes to emulate Real Madrid veteran Dani Carvajal, Garcia said: “He’s a model, of course, for any player. I hope I can have the same trajectory and I want to grow here and be an important player.”
On being asked why not many academy players make it to the first-team at Real Madrid, the left-back answered: “We shouldn’t question the club’s decisions because it’s clear that it’s top of the world. The youth academy is very well looked after and yesterday’s Castilla team proves it.”
Source: Real Madrid TV
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
