Real Madrid News
Manchester United defender not closing the door on a future move to Real Madrid
Manchester United star Raphael Varane has opened up about his future and has left the door open for a potential return to Real Madrid.
Speaking in an interview with the GQ magazine (h/t MARCA), the French defender expressed his desire to finish his career at one of his former clubs, Real Madrid, Manchester United, or Lens.
While acknowledging that a return to Madrid would be complicated, Varane said that he does not intend to rush his decision.
“There will be no other team. I will finish my career at Real Madrid, Manchester United or at Lens. Madrid seems complicated because they don’t usually come back. I don’t intend to rush, but the closer you get to 30, the more you think about it,” Varane told GQ.
Varane’s departure from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021 after ten successful years at the club was a surprise to many, but the central defender handled the situation well. He expressed his desire to start a new stage of his career outside of Madrid, and the club respected his decision.
Varane’s departure last summer was part of a larger exodus of Madrid legends that included Zinedine Zidane and Sergio Ramos.
The possibility of Varane returning to Madrid is an exciting prospect for both the club and the fans. He has an excellent relationship with Real Madrid in general, and with Florentino Pérez, in particular, making a return to the Bernabéu all the more feasible.
However, it must be noted that Real Madrid are likely to target younger options in the coming summer. They are among the clubs linked with a move for Josko Gvardiol, even though they are set to face stiff competition from Premier League clubs.
Another alternative for Los Blancos is Portuguese centre-back Antonio Silva, who is currently plying his trade with SL Benfica.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
