Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend will depart on a free transfer at the end of the season – report
Real Madrid are bracing themselves for a busy summer ahead. Despite a season that can categorically be termed as a success, it appears Los Blancos want to make wholesale changes to the senior side and add real quality to the setup.
The signing of Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea appears to be done and dusted while Kylian Mbappe is more than likely to join the club on a free transfer.
However, in order to make way for these new signings, Real Madrid may have to offload plenty of existing stars. And according to Fabrizio Romano, one of those in contention to leave Santiago Bernabeu this summer could be Marcelo.
Formerly of Fluminense, the Brazilian is currently one of the longest-serving members of the Real Madrid team, having joined the club way back in 2007.
During his 15 year spell at the club, Marcelo had established as one of the most successful defenders in the history of the game.
He racked up four Champions League titles and six La Liga titles among countless other accolades, which makes him the most decorated Real Madrid player of all time.
However, in recent years, Marcelo’s game has regressed heavily, largely due to injuries and a lack of game-time. Age appears to have caught up with him as well, prompting Real Madrid to make Ferland Mendy their number one choice at left-back.
Marcelo’s current contract at Real Madrid expires at the end of the season. And after making only five starts in the league this term, the club have no intention to renew the contract of the 33-year-old.
Along with Luka Modric and Karim Benzema, Marcelo was one of the few old guards remaining at Santiago Bernabeu, following the recent exits of Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo.
But with the Brazilian also set to bid adieu to the fans this summer, Real Madrid are well and truly kickstarting a new era in the coming season.
Real Madrid News
U-turn? Benzema hints at Real Madrid stay during ceremony: “Reality is not the internet”
There has been a lot of talk around Karim Benzema’s situation over the course of the last week or so, with reports claiming that the Frenchman was on his way out of the Santiago Bernabeu.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it was reported that Benzema was joining Al Ittihad as part of an incredible deal worth nearly €200 million. The striker was also offered 100% of his image rights and advertising deals by the Saudi government.
Over the last day or so, it has been reported that the move is all but official at the moment, as Benzema has accepted the offer, and will soon inform Real Madrid about it.
Benzema was awarded the MARCA Leyenda awards for contribution to sports today, and speaking during it, he dropped a rather cryptic message about his future – one that says quite the opposite to what has been in the news recently.
“Speak to the fans? Speak about what? Why should I speak of the future if I’m in Madrid?”, Benzema said.
“It’s the internet speaking, and reality is not the internet,” he added.
This certainly falls away from the departure line for Benzema, who was reportedly already contemplating his life away from Madrid.
At first, though, he was hesitant about speaking about his future, saying, “Staying or leaving Real Madrid? At the moment, I’m here…we have a game on Saturday.”
He repeatedly talked about the fans, calling them the best in world football. He also said, “I know how much Real Madrid fans love me. I feel that when I’m on the pitch, I give my best for them, always.”
“I always say that we play with 11 on the pitch but also with a crucial factor, Real Madrid fans,” Benzema concluded.
