Real Madrid News
Real Madrid make final decision on Rodri’s transfer
Real Madrid have taken a decisive step in their pursuit of Rodri, with the Spanish giants now fully committed to bringing the Manchester City midfielder back to La Liga despite uncertainty surrounding his fitness.
According to Patrick Berger of Sky Sports Germany, Real Madrid have decided to complete the signing of the Spain international and are now working on reaching an agreement over personal terms.
The development marks a significant shift in one of the summer’s biggest transfer stories, with the club now pushing ahead after weeks of speculation linking the World Cup winner with a move to the Santiago Bernabéu.
It is known that Rodri has long been admired by Real Madrid, and recent developments suggest the midfielder is equally enthusiastic about the prospect of returning to Spain.
With his Manchester City contract running until 2027, negotiations remain complex, but Real Madrid appear determined to make the deal happen.
Mourinho’s backing strengthens Real Madrid’s pursuit
Interest in Rodri has intensified over the past week, with several reports pointing to growing confidence inside the club that a deal can be achieved.
Earlier this week, it emerged that representatives from Real Madrid held a private meeting with Rodri’s agents in Pozuelo, Madrid.
During those discussions, the club outlined a long-term project that included a contract until 2030, while the midfielder made it clear he would welcome the opportunity to return to Spanish football.
Behind the scenes, Jose Mourinho has also played an important role.
The Portuguese coach has identified the Manchester City star as the ideal player to strengthen his midfield and is understood to have personally urged club president Florentino Perez to complete the transfer.
Injury creates uncertainty but Real Madrid committed
The biggest concern surrounding the deal arrived when it was confirmed that Rodri will undergo surgery to address a back injury.
The operation means there is currently no definitive timeline for his return, creating understandable questions over the timing of any transfer.
A lengthy recovery would normally force clubs to reconsider such a significant investment.
However, the latest update suggests Real Madrid have not changed their stance.
According to Patrick Berger, the club has now decided to sign Rodri regardless, with efforts focused on agreeing personal terms before advancing to the next stage of negotiations.
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.
