Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defensive mainstay will not leave amid Al-Ittihad rumours – Romano
With Eder Militao out of action for Real Madrid, David Alaba has become the leader of the Merengues’ defence.
The Austrian international is part of Carlo Ancelotti’s first-choice centre-back pairing alongside Antonio Rudiger and has been rock solid so far this season.
Recently, however, rumours of Alaba’s departure from Real Madrid began making the rounds. Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad were said to be interested in procuring the defender’s services and reportedly prepared an offer worth €40 million for him.
Further, they are said to be willing to offer him an annual salary of €25 million.
Fabrizio denies the news
Now, the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano relays that the rumours of Alaba’s move to Saudi Arabia are completely off the mark.
He adds that the Austrian international is committed to Real Madrid, loves the club and does not contemplate a change of scenery.
Even a crazy bid with an out-of-the-world salary cannot lure him away from Los Blancos this summer. After all, he is a guaranteed starter for the entirety of the season.
Ever reliable as always
The 31-year-old has started all four of Real Madrid’s games so far this season and played every single minute for the team.
In that duration, he has overseen two clean sheets and averages 1.2 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, three clearances and wins one duel per game. Further, he has already racked up one assist for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
It is safe to say that the Merengues’ defence is in safe hands as it stands with Alaba and Rudiger, although the duo still need to work on their chemistry on the field.
Nacho Fernandez is the manager’s first choice backup while Castilla’s Marvel has also caught Ancelotti’s eye.
In any case, Alaba’s departure would be a massive blow for Los Blancos that they will probably struggle to bounce back from. As such, it is a possibility that is not being considered by the player or the club.
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
