Real Madrid News
Real Madrid have new contract ready for midfield superstar
Toni Kroos has been a subject of speculation recently over his future at Real Madrid. With the midfielder’s current contract at Santiago Bernabeu expiring at the end of the season, it is uncertain whether or not he will continue beyond 2023.
Real Madrid, for their part, are keen on extending the German’s contract as he has continued to play at the top level and can still continue for at least two or three more years.
A recent report from Fabrizio Romano (h/t Madrid Xtra) has offered an update on Kroos’ situation, suggesting that Real Madrid have prepared a new contract offer for the former Bayern Munich starlet, in their attempts to tie him down to a new deal.
Although the details of the new deal have not been mentioned, it will presumably be a one-year extension given the fact that Real Madrid have a strict policy not to offer players over 30 more than a year-long contract extension.
The Whites are hoping Kroos to continue one more year at Santiago Bernabeu as his leadership, experience and composure in the middle of the park have been integral to the club’s success over the past eight years.
Kroos has indeed featured in almost 400 competitive matches for Real Madrid and remains one of the best midfielders in Europe. His continued presence in the midfield could go a long way in not only helping the club retain its success but also guiding younger individuals such as Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.
In the event of Kroos declining the contract extension, however, the German is expected to retire, rather than move elsewhere to continue his career. The midfielder had notably announced his retirement from international football last year, shortly after the World Cup.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
