Real Madrid News
Kepa Arrizabalaga open to extend Real Madrid stay beyond 2024: “I would be delighted”
Luis de La Fuente’s Spain are set to take to the field against Georgia in the fifth round of the EURO qualification tomorrow. As the champions of the UEFA Nations League, they are the favourites to come out with a win.
One of the most prominent members of his setup is Real Madrid’s Kepa Arrizabalaga. The goalkeeper has started two games for the men in white this season after arriving on loan and already has a clean sheet to show.
The Spanish international spoke to Cadena SER (h/t AS) ahead of La Roja’s first clash of the international break. He first spoke about the Real Madrid dressing room and who the dominant figures were behind the scenes.
“Well, the teammates who have been here for many years, they have won a lot, and have a lot of experience: Modrić, Kroos, Nacho, and Carvajal. They’re very important for the whole team.”
Kepa went on to praise the senior-most of them all, Luka Modric, for his undying commitment to the crest and his quality on the field.
“What can I say about Luka? Few adjectives to everything that has already been said. He has a lot of quality. It’s too soon for his retirement. May he play as long as he can! He’s key in the squad, everyone loves him a lot.”
The goalkeeper is here as a first-choice starter for Los Blancos this season after Thibaut Courtois was ruled out for the season through an ACL injury.
When asked if he would object to staying past this season as a backup to the Belgian, he said:
“I just arrived, I’ve been here for two weeks. I would be delighted to stay. There are many things to see and there is a lot of time left, but I’m always willing to fight, to improve.”
On the competition for places with Andriy Lunin and possibly Courtois in the future, Kepa added: “Unfortunately, Courtois’ injury is for a few months, and when the time comes, when he recovers, we will fight in the best way.
“I have always said that with the teammates, with the goalkeepers that I have met, we have always had a very good relationship, healthy competition. I think the beneficiary of all this is the team. In the end, I think competition in each position improves the team. At Real Madrid no position is cheap.”
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
