Real Madrid News
Real Madrid attacker professes his love for FIFA Club World Cup
The idea of a World Cup has always been a big factor for any Brazilian footballer. The Selecao, after all, have historically been the master of the competition, winning in five times – more than any other nation.
But for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, even the idea of winning the FIFA Club World Cup also draws equal importance to his personal ambition as a footballer.
The attacker admitted the same in a recent interview ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming game against Al Ahly in the FIFA Club World Cup.
“This is the competition that I have always dreamed of playing as a Brazilian, I know the magnitude of the championship. It means everything to me, to my family, to everyone I know, and they know how excited I am about this competition,” Rodrygo said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
“As a Brazilian, it’s a very important tournament, one of the biggest. So I really want to have this on my resume,” he added.
Rodrygo, who has featured in 138 competitive matches for Real Madrid since joining the club in 2019, also talked about his memory of the Club World Cup during his time at Santos.
“It’s not the best memory because Santos lost, but the tournament is still the biggest in Brazil. It’s like the Champions League in Europe,” he said, referring to Santos’ 4-1 defeat to Barcelona in 2011.
Rodrygo went on to profess his love for Real Madrid, adding, “I think that when you identify with a club, sometimes it’s just that: you feel good and that’s it. And that was the case with Real Madrid. Although Barcelona was better at that time, I always liked Real Madrid more. I dreamed of being here, of playing here, and that’s the only explanation.”
“I’m still in love with Real Madrid,” added the winger, who will be keen on putting up a good show when Real Madrid take on Al Ahly in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal later this evening.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break
Real Madrid are finally beginning to see a clear path back for Eder Militao, with the defender now in the final phase of his rehabilitation and increasingly expected to return after the next international break.
Militao has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during the meeting with Alaves last April.
The injury required surgery, but his recovery has now reached a stage where his return can be discussed in more concrete terms.
Militao steps up rehabilitation at Valdebebas
While Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday night’s trip to Elche, Militao was working separately from the main group at the Valdebebas Training Centre.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian defender carried out specific exercises with the club’s rehabilitation staff and physiotherapists on pitches 1 and 2.
The work represents another step in a recovery process that has kept him away from competitive action for several months.
Mind you, Militao will not be involved against Elche, but the latest signs are considerably more encouraging for what comes next.
Return now expected after international break
The timeline surrounding Militao’s comeback is finally becoming clearer. Provided his recovery continues at its current pace, Real Madrid expect the centre-back to be available to Mourinho once the international break is over.
That break is scheduled to take place from the end of September into the first week of October, meaning Militao could be back by mid-October at the latest.
For a defender who has endured another significant spell on the sidelines, simply having a defined target gives an important moment in his rehabilitation.
Real Madrid still missing players
Militao’s progress is particularly welcome because Real Madrid continue to deal with several absences in the squad.
On that note, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy remain on the injury list and are not expected to return as quickly as Militao.
Both these players are therefore ruled out of the Elche fixture, leaving Mourinho without several established options.
Beyond Elche, though, Militao’s return offers Real Madrid something far more valuable: another experienced defensive option for the demanding weeks ahead.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, the Brazilian is now entering the final stretch, and if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could have their defender back in the squad around the middle of October.
