Real Madrid News
Man City legend reveals Real Madrid overlooked him during his formative years – ‘I came for a week of trials’
Manchester City icon David Silva has offered a fascinating look back at one of the earliest turning points of his career, revealing how close he once came to joining Real Madrid before the club ultimately decided against signing him.
Speaking on El Camino de Mario, the podcast hosted by Mario Suarez, the now-retired Spaniard reflected on missed opportunities, big decisions and the move that shaped his legacy.
The conversation first touched on a hypothetical scenario. When asked whether he would have liked to wear Barcelona or Real Madrid colours during his career, Silva gave an honest and relatable response.
“Who wouldn’t want to play for Barça or Madrid?”
However, Silva was quick to ground the discussion in reality and emphasise that he has no regrets about how his career unfolded.
Real Madrid missed an opportunity
What will surprise many Real Madrid fans is Silva’s revelation that Los Blancos once had the chance to sign him long before he became a household name.
Looking back to his childhood, the former midfielder explained that he spent time training with the club during his early teenage years.
“When I was 12, I came to Madrid for a week of trials, but then they didn’t call me.”
Rather than expressing bitterness, Silva showed maturity and empathy, acknowledging how difficult youth scouting can be.
He even drew parallels with another modern-day star whose talent was initially overlooked. Offering this perspective, he added,
“I’ve seen that something similar happened to Julian Alvarez. These things aren’t easy to deal with when you’re so young.”
Interestingly, Real Madrid’s interest resurfaced years later, once Silva had established himself as one of Europe’s most elegant midfielders.
The year 2010, in particular, was a period filled with speculation linking him to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Addressing those rumours, Silva admitted there was plenty of noise around a possible return to Spain.
“There were always rumours about Madrid, even Vicente said I was going to win the Ballon d’Or, but I signed for City. I don’t know if the interest was real, to be honest,” he concluded.
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.
