Real Madrid News
Kyle Walker opens up on interaction with Vinicius Jr: “Don’t make me a meme”
Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Etihad, defender Kyle Walker has opened up on his duel with Vinicius Jr and the wholesome interaction between the pair after the first leg.
Walker and Vinicius were involved in a stunning battle during the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. And even though the Real Madrid winger scored a goal on the night, the Manchester City right-back put in a solid shift overall.
As the two teams prepare to collide again on Wednesday night, Walker was asked in a press conference about how one goes about defending against a top player like Vinicius. In response, the England international said (h/t Manchester Evening News):
“I take it as any other game, you have to show him respect. Like Mbappe at the WC. You give them the respect they deserve. I’m representing City, the ambition for the club is massive.
“If I can’t compete with these top players, I shouldn’t be here. I need to make sure I come against the best and can deal with the best.”
After the first leg, a short clip in which Vinicius and Walker were seen smiling at each other and hugging, went viral on the internet. Shedding light on their interaction, the Manchester City ace said:
“I went to hug him because he tried to rainbow-flick me. I was like please don’t try that again and make me a meme. Boxers have a battle and shake hands after. You give the level of respect because they deserve it.
“Carrying a massive club over the line in the CL, you show your respect. Tomorrow night, I’ll give him the respect he deserves but before that is dog eat dog.”
In Spain, Vinicius faces a lot of hatred from opposition fans and opponent players also treat him harshly, with the winger being termed as ‘provocative’. When asked if he also felt the same about the Real Madrid superstar, Walker said:
“He’s a very good player, does what he needs to get his team over the line. I don’t get involved in it all, if there’s trash talk it doesn’t bother me. I’ve been through more difficult things than people winding me up.
“I’ve seen him go down easily, it’s part of the game to get an advantage over your opponent. Don’t take his football away from him, he’s a top player.”
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid plan to hold talks with Chelsea over €60 million-rated German international
Kai Havertz has emerged as the latest target for Real Madrid as they look to beef up the attacking unit ahead of the new season.
The club are bracing themselves for the loss of Marco Asensio, who is reportedly closing in on a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Even Dani Ceballos is facing an uncertain future at Santiago Bernabeu, though the club are making a last-gasp effort to keep hold of the midfielder.
In order to mitigate the losses, Real Madrid are planning to bring in a new attacker, with Havertz emerging as a potential candidate.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid’s plan is to hold talks with Chelsea in the next few weeks, over the possibility of Havertz’s move to the Bernabeu.
The Premier League giants seek good money for the German international, but do not consider him ‘untouchable’. The player, after all, has endured a difficult season, where his productivity has been questioned.
The former Bayer Leverkusen starlet has netted seven goals in the Premier League this past season, but the number could have easily breached the 15 mark if the forward had successfully converted most of his chances.
Chelsea, therefore, are ready to offload the German ahead of the new season. The Blues had signed the young playmaker in the summer of 2020, for an astounding €80 million. But the move has not paid off at all, with the player scoring just 32 goals in 139 appearances.
Chelsea are now keen on recouping some of that investment by asking big money for Havertz this summer. Real Madrid, for their part, are not exactly clear how much they should spend on the German, but they appear ready to take the gamble on the player.
