Real Madrid News
Real Madrid captain speaks out after renewal: “The club has taught me everything”
Real Madrid officially announced the renewal of veteran defender and new captain Nacho Fernandez on Thursday to put an end to one of the club’s most anticipated extension sagas. The story of the centre-back’s continuity had no shortage of ups and downs, but all roads eventually led to Real Madrid.
After all, the 33-year-old has known no other club in his professional career to date.
Nacho’s history with the Merengues runs back to 2001 when he joined the club’s academy at the Alevin stage. He made the step up from the U-19 setup to the C team in 2008. Just one year later, he moved into the Castilla setup and was eyeing a spot in the first team.
It was in 2013 that the defender made the jump to the senior setup, and there has been no looking back since then. To this day, Nacho continues to be the epitome of loyalty and professionalism and is rightly the club captain.
Nacho spoke to Directo Gol about his renewal with Real Madrid and what it meant to him. His reply stood for all the years he spent growing up at the club and how his association with the Merengues was more than just a sporting bond.
“I don’t think of a life without Real Madrid. The club has taught me everything: education and values,” he said.
The veteran always held a renewal with the club as his first choice. However, a lack of playing time tempted him to look towards other options on his table for the final stage of his career.
He has signed only a one-year extension for the time being, and any further renewal will depend on his prominence in the team.
Nacho is not expected to be a starter next season, for David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Antonio Rudiger all sit above him on the pecking order. However, the club legend’s versatility makes him the first-choice replacement for any injured starter in central defence or the full-back positions.
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
