Real Madrid News
Real Madrid captain to leave at the end of the season as club decide against renewal
In the past two summer windows, Real Madrid have parted ways with several club legends and dressing room heavyweights – Toni Kroos, Nacho Fernandez, Lucas Vazquez, and Luka Modric, among others.
Now, it appears that another club legend is all set to bid goodbye to the club in the coming days.
Dani Carvajal to leave Real Madrid
Indeed, as confirmed by Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal will leave the club at the expiry of his contract on 30 June.
The longest-serving member in the current squad, the 34-year-old right-back has been a part of the first-team setup for 13 years now, after returning from a season-long stint at Bayer Leverkusen.
A leader on and off the pitch, he has been an integral part of the success that Real Madrid have achieved over the past decade.
However, Carvajal had seen his stature within the team decline this season with injuries holding him back while the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold also having an impact.
As such, speculations about his future had been growing for months now. And even though he was hopeful of securing a renewal, it will not be for the Spaniard.
Indeed, Carvajal is now aware that Real Madrid do not wish to offer him an extension and will be leaving once his current deal runs out this summer.
Goodbye to a legend
Carvajal will leave Real Madrid as one of the most successful players to have represented the club, having won a whopping 27 trophies, which includes four La Liga titles and six UEFA Champions League crowns.
He has made over 440 appearances for Los Blancos and will hope to feature in the remaining two matches of the season and say goodbye to the fans in a proper manner.
As for his future, a move to Saudi Arabia or Qatar had been touted in the past, but the recent political tensions in the region have raised doubts.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
