Real Madrid News
Kepa Arrizabalaga: “At Real Madrid to leave your name engraved, you have to win”
Real Madrid’s new signing Kepa Arrizabalaga has said that he is very happy and proud to join the team, adding that as part of his loan tenure, he will aim to win the UEFA Champions League as well as La Liga.
Arrizabalaga was acquired from Chelsea on a season-long loan as part of Real Madrid’s response to Thibaut Courtois’ long-term injury.
The Belgium stopper was diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee and is set to spend a considerable amount of time on the sidelines.
Kepa, whose deal is a straightforward loan without a purchase option, will likely be Madrid’s first-choice keeper during Courtois’ absence.
Speaking in an interview with the club’s official media, the 28-year-old reflected on several aspects, while also sending messages of support to Courtois and Eder Militao.
“I feel happy and proud to belong to Real Madrid, a club with so much history. It has all been very fast. I am happy to be here, to know the facilities and the colleagues. I want to start as soon as possible,” said the stopper.
He added that he aims to achieve much more in the Spanish capital, saying: “The Champions League and Real Madrid are football history. Hopefully, we can together make the legend of this club even bigger and achieve more. It is shocking to see 14 together.
“At Real Madrid, to leave your name engraved, you have to win. This club, all the trajectory and history it has, has been based on winning.”
Talking about what he will offer to the team, Kepa said: “I always say that I don’t like to define myself, I prefer others to do it. But I try to transmit security to the team, to the defence, to be a calm goalkeeper and to try to help at all times.”
He went on to say that joining Real Madrid is the best feeling. “Once you arrive at Real Madrid, it’s the best. Being here is a reason for happiness and what I can guarantee is work and commitment.
“I want to put everything I have for the team and so every day, surrounded by these talented players, improve and make the team better.”
The new signing also transmitted messages of support to the injured duo of Courtois and Militao, saying:
“A lot of strength and encouragement. These moments are difficult, perhaps it is the worst of football. I wish them a speedy recovery and send them a big hug. Hopefully, as soon as possible they can be in the green.”
Lastly, he described what it is like to play at the Santiago Bernabeu. “Last year I played as an opponent and I want to go to the local locker room. I’m looking forward to debuting there. I hope to see you very soon at the Santiago Bernabeu. Hala Madrid!”
Aurelien Tchouameni has had an exciting start to his career at Real Madrid. Since joining the club for almost €80 million last summer, the young Frenchman has now become a pivotal figure in Real Madrid’s midfield unit.
However, prior to his move to Santiago Bernabeu, the midfielder was closely linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
In a recent interview, Tchouameni opened up on his links to PSG but revealed his decision to join Real Madrid.
Aurelien Tchouameni on PSG links
Talking about speculations linking him to PSG, Tchouameni said (h/t Madrid Zone), “PSG? Frankly, I thought about it. It’s a very big European club, we want the French clubs to succeed.”
“But honestly, when Real Madrid calls you, it’s very complicated to say no,” Tchouameni added.
The midfielder was linked with a move to PSG during his time at AS Monaco. Les Parisiens wanted to sign the youngster as part of their plans to reinforce the midfield unit.
Tchouameni, though, ended up opting for a move to Real Madrid, which turned out to be a prudent decision from the midfielder’s end.
Tchouameni’s career at Real Madrid
Aurelien Tchouameni made a total of 50 competitive appearances during his maiden season at Real Madrid.
Although the Frenchman was not entirely a first-team regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s setup, his stature in the team is expected to grow in the coming years.
Especially as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric move on at the end of the season, there is scope for Tchouameni to become a first-team regular in the Real Madrid midfield in the years to come.
The former AS Monaco starlet has already played a crucial role in the starting eleven so far this season and it is only going to continue as the season progresses.
