Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid hit double jackpot at the UEFA Awards
The UEFA ceremony recently came to a conclusion, and needless to say, it was dominated by last season’s champions Real Madrid.
Karim Benzema, in particular, was voted UEFA Player of the Year after a stellar campaign that saw him score 15 goals in the Champions League last season.
The Frenchman had indeed played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s successful 2022/23 campaign, notably starring in comeback wins against the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.
While Benzema bagged the POTY, Carlo Ancelotti was handed the Coach of the Year title for helping Real Madrid restore their lost glory by winning the Champions League and La Liga titles.
The Italian’s masterful man-management coupled with his experience in handling pressure cooker situations were vital in giving Los Blancos the edge in all the tough knockout matches in the Champions League last season.
Ancelotti, who has now bagged four Champions League titles during his coaching career, will be hoping to maintain his success in the 2022/23 season.
Real Madrid have been drawn against RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk and Celtic in the Champions League draw, with the European champions set to kickstart their continental campaign in the first week of September.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
