Real Madrid News
Nacho talks Real Madrid renewal, Modric, Benzema exit: “He likes to keep things hidden”
Nacho Fernandez faced a difficult decision ahead of Real Madrid’s final game of the season. With his contract running out in June, it was time for him to take a final stand, but the options did not make it easy.
The defender was unsure about his role in the squad and seriously contemplated a departure from the Santiago Bernabeu for more minutes. In the end, however, his passion for the club’s crest was too strong to take the drastic step.
Nacho recently spoke to COPE about the recent season, his decision to continue, his situation in the team, and Karim Benzema amongst other topics. Here are the snippets from his conversation.
The centre-back first shockingly revealed that Karim Benzema did not give away any hints to the squad over his departure in the summer and said that the dressing room found out only much later.
“He didn’t say anything to the team. We didn’t know anything, just like you. We found out after it was official.”
Nacho went on to explain why the Frenchman’s decision to maintain secrecy was not surprising and spoke about how he would like his farewell to be.
“Benzema didn’t tell us he was leaving. He is a very introverted person, he likes to keep things very hidden. I don’t want to leave Real Madrid this way. I’ll want it to be special.”
The veteran has always been one of the underappreciated pieces of the Real Madrid puzzle. Speaking about getting the respect and value he felt he deserved, he said,
“I’ve played games that the best defenders in Europe could have played and no one gave me the value I deserved.”
Nacho commented on where he stood on the pecking order under Carlo Ancelotti and why he was unsure about renewing at his boyhood club.
“At the beginning of the season, I had a lot of doubts, I didn’t feel valued. I’ve shown in almost every game I’m at the same level or higher [level] of my teammates.”
However, expressing his happiness at continuing at the club for one more year, he said: “Things are easier to leave when you finish your contract, but I am very happy to continue another year at Real Madrid. I have made the best possible decision.”
Commenting on the rumours linking Luka Modric with a move to Saudi Arabia, he added: “My feeling before the end of the season was that he was staying. Although the latest news has surprised me.”
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
