Real Madrid News
Real Madrid fitness coach hails Valverde for heartwarming gesture after goal vs Celta Vigo
Real Madrid left it late to secure a narrow 2-1 win over Celta Vigo, which keeps them in the title race after a series of disappointing results.
The Spanish giants looked to have headed for yet another draw against Vigo. But an injury-time winner from Federico Valverde saw Alvaro Arbeloa’s men steal three points.
Thanks to the win, Real Madrid are just a point away from league leaders Barcelona, who will take on Athletic Club tonight.
Pintus lauds Valverde for dedicating the goal
Although Valverde celebrated normally after scoring the late winner, he was sure to meet Real Madrid’s fitness coach, Antonio Pintus and offer him support after the demise of his mother.
The Real Madrid midfielder, who was nominated for a La Liga award for February, even hugged Pintus after the match, for his tragic loss, as revealed by the coach himself.
Pintus revealed the story on Instagram, publishing an image where Valverde can be clearly seen hugging him.
He thanked the Uruguayan international by calling him a gentleman and a fantastic player on the pitch.
“Fede Valverde hugged me after the goal for my mother’s passing. Fede, you’re a real gentleman and a fantastic player,” Pintus wrote on his Instagram story.
Bringing in Pintus was one of the most noticeable changes new coach Alvaro Arbeloa had made since being appointed as the successor to Xabi Alonso.
Under Alonso, the squad suffered from recurring muscle problems and looked physically flat. Pintus was immediately put back in charge of daily training sessions, intense fitness tests, and the famous “Pintus Method”
Pintus was the physical coach during four of Real Madrid’s last five Champions League titles (under Zidane and Ancelotti).
He is widely credited with keeping veterans like Modrić, Benzema, and Kroos in peak condition for years and helping the team peak at the right moments in big competitions
Real Madrid News
Manchester United launch final push to sign Real Madrid outcast; club resists permanent exit
Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of Endrick as the Brazilian forward’s future at Real Madrid becomes increasingly uncertain, with a potential January loan move emerging as a solution to his lack of regular playing time.
According to Bernabeu Digital, Manchester United are making a final push to convince the 19-year-old to join them.
However, negotiations could prove complicated because the Premier League club is interested in including a purchase option in the deal, while Real Madrid are not currently planning to give up permanent control of the striker.
Endrick’s limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season have opened the door to a temporary departure, with AC Milan and Tottenham also emerging as potential destinations.
Why Manchester United want Endrick?
Manchester United are looking for greater attacking productivity and believe Endrick could provide a different dimension to their forward line.
The Premier League club has also been linked with the Brazilian in the past, as they assess options to improve their goalscoring output after a poor start to the season.
Notably, his situation at Real Madrid makes a move more plausible, as Endrick has struggled to secure consistent minutes, and the club is considering a loan that would give him the chance to play regularly.
However, United’s preferred terms could become the biggest obstacle.
The English side reportedly wants the option to buy Endrick at the end of the loan, potentially giving them a route to a permanent transfer if he impresses.
Real Madrid reject permanent Endrick exit
Real Madrid’s preference is understood to be a straightforward loan without a purchase option.
The club want Endrick to gain experience elsewhere before returning to compete for a place in the squad, rather than risk losing a young forward they have invested in for the future.
His previous loan spell at Lyon provides a possible model for another temporary move, although any agreement would depend on the terms offered and the player’s own preferences.
Manchester United are prepared to make an attractive financial proposal in an effort to secure his arrival, but money alone may not resolve the disagreement if Real Madrid remain unwilling to include a purchase clause.
