Real Madrid News
Kylian Mbappe reacts to Neymar’s comment on his ego: ‘I have a lot of respect for him’
Neymar Jr’s statements earlier this week about Kylian Mbappe’s ego and struggles to adapt to Lionel Messi’s arrival during their time together at PSG blew up on the media.
“When Messi came, I think he felt displaced. He didn’t want to share myself with anyone. He totally changed and the fights began,” he said.
The Brazilian’s words were taken as an indication of how the Frenchman always required to spotlight to be on him and whether he prioritised himself over the team’s betterment.
However, Mbappe has finally opened up about Neymar’s words and given his verdict on the statement that has become the cause of controversy.
Mbappe’s reaction
As relayed in a recent report by TNT Sports, Mbappe did not dive deep into his former teammate’s words and instead opted to respectfully turn down the topic.
“Neymar’s words? I have nothing to say. I’m focused on what I’m doing here in Madrid. I have a lot of respect for Neymar.”
“I want to remember the good things about him, of a unique player in the history of football. Good luck to him & his family,” he added.
He then spoke about his adaptation to the Real Madrid dressing room where the likes of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo already boast of an aura and admitted that his relationship with them was key to the successes that lay ahead.
“Can Vini Jr & Rodrygo be important for me in Real Madrid? They were both important players before I joined. They won the UCL,” he said.
“It’s a pleasure to play with players of this quality. They will help me for sure. Hopefully, we’ll all score tomorrow,” he added.
Finally, he was asked if the trio of him and the two Brazilians could go on to write history, to which he said,
“Can Mbappé, Vini Jr & Rodrygo be a historic trio? That’s a question for the people. Our job is to help the team & win titles. And to enjoy too. Because football is a sport where you have to enjoy,” he concluded.
Real Madrid opted to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract this past summer to keep him at the club for one more season.
The 33-year-old veteran defender, though, has not been performing at his best, with physical problems taking their toll and age starting to catch up with him.
As such, the expectation is that Los Blancos will not extend his contract again when his current one expires on 30 June 2027.
Tottenham eye Antonio Rudiger
And, according to reports relayed by AS, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a free-transfer swoop to sign Rudiger in the summer of next year.
The north London club are understood to be keen on reinforcing their backline next year and see the German defender as an option, given his experience in the Premier League and the fact that he would be available for free in the summer.
So far this season, Rudiger has played only five games for Real Madrid, amounting to a total of 396 minutes.
The 33-year-old has even chipped in with two goals, including the all-important winner in the 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Time to move on?
Despite Rudiger being a hugely respected figure in the Real Madrid locker room, he is currently the third-choice centre-back for Jose Mourinho.
After all, summer signing Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have been preferred by the manager so far in the new season.
Moreover, with Eder Militao set to return imminently after a lengthy injury layoff, Rudiger’s game-time could be impacted further.
Given the situation and factoring in Real Madrid’s plans to sign another centre-back next summer, it is pretty much evident that Rudiger does not feature in the club’s plans for beyond this season.
As such, a separation of ways seems pretty likely when his contract expires, and Tottenham are now positioning themselves as early suitors to sign Rudiger as a free agent in 2027.
