Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend close to retiring, does not want to play outside Europe
After 15 incredible years playing at Real Madrid, Marcelo called his time at Santiago Bernabeu quits after the end of the 2021/22 season.
The Brazilian was able to lift the Champions League and La Liga at the end of his term, before officially handing over the captain’s armband to Karim Benzema.
At 34, Marcelo’s next club was uncertain, but it was expected he could leave for MLS or the Middle East for one last big paycheck.
In a shocking turn of events, MARCA have reported that Marcelo is closer to retiring than, in fact, continuing football. He is not tempted by the offers from MLS or the Qatari League, and as it stands, is focusing on his entrepreneurial duties.
The legendary defender has been preparing for life after football for a while now. He owns two football clubs right now: Azuriz in Brazil and Mafra in Portugal.
While Marcelo wanted to continue playing football, it seems he does not have offers from any top European club. He does not want to settle for anything less, too, and as such, retirement has become an option for him.
That said, he knows he can always return to Madrid, albeit in a different role, but as for his immediate future, we might have seen the last of the great left-back.
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.
