Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend reiterates desire to retire at club: “Going to finish my career here”
Speaking on his podcast Einfach Mal Luppen (h/t COPE), Real Madrid midfielder and legend Toni Kroos reiterated his wish to retire at the Santiago Bernabeu amidst question marks over his future.
Kroos has been with Real Madrid for close to nine years now, having arrived from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2014.
The 33-year-old midfielder has won a whole host of trophies during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, establishing himself as a legend of the club.
However, of late, there has been speculations surrounding his future as Kroos’ current contract with Los Blancos expires at the end of the season.
The midfielder, however, has previously stated that he intends to hang up his boots at Real Madrid and does not plan on playing for a different club.
And during the podcast, he reiterated the same desire, while adding that he is yet to decide when he will call time on his glorious career.
“I’m going to finish my career here. I just don’t know exactly when yet,” Kroos said.
During the chat, he also clarified that there had been no pressure from the club for him to take a decision on his future at the earliest. Kroos also added that he had some tendency towards wanting to continue his relationship with Real Madrid, even though he is yet to take a final decision.
The 33-year-old’s contract decision could have repercussions on the future of his midfield partner and fellow club legend Luka Modric.
The Croatian will be turning 38 years old later this year and with his contract also expiring in June, it has been reported that Real Madrid will only offer him a new deal based on the decisions of Kroos and transfer target Jude Bellingham.
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.
