Real Madrid News
‘My time has come’: Real Madrid sensation pens heartfelt letter to younger self after winning FIFA The Best
After being snubbed of the Ballon d’Or earlier this year, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. earned his flowers last night as he was named the FIFA Mens Best Player of the Year.
The award was only deserving considering how the Brazilian phenom excelled in Europe and in Real Madrid’s La Liga run last season. He finished ahead of Rodri and Jude Bellingham, among other frontrunners.
Vinicius’ message
After winning the prestigious accolade, the Real Madrid star took to his social media and penned out a heartfelt message to his younger self, and in the process, the world about his feelings at the moment.
“VENI, VEDI, VICI,” he began, addressing his younger self by various nicknames.
“Today I’m writing to the boy who has seen so many idols lift that trophy, his time has come.
“Or rather, my time has come. The time to say… yes, I’m the best player in the world and I’ve fought hard for it,” he added in joy.
Vinicius then spoke on the struggles he has had to face on the way and how they have only made him stronger.
“They’ve tried and tried to invalidate me, to diminish me. But they’re not ready. No one is going to tell me who I should fight for, how I should behave.”
Elaborating on the difficult path he has had to endure to the top, the Real Madrid star continued,
“When I was in São Gonçalo, the system didn’t care about me. I was almost swallowed up. I won for myself, for my family.”
“With a lot of support along the way: Flamengo, Real Madrid, the Brazilian national team, my hundreds of teammates over the years, the people who accompany me every day in my routine, those who admire me,” he continued, thanking everyone involved.
Finally, he expressed his joy over being named the best in the world, writing,
“THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD.”
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
