Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder addresses international future and reveals which teammate has impressed him the most
Real Madrid academy graduate Thiago Pitarch continues to enjoy a remarkable rise after establishing himself in the first-team squad, and the young midfielder is now on the verge of adding international silverware to his growing list of achievements.
The 19-year-old is currently representing Spain Under-19 at the UEFA European Championship, where La Roja will face Germany in Saturday’s final.
While the immediate focus remains on helping Spain lift the trophy, Pitarch also addressed questions about his long-term international future and reflected on what it has been like sharing a dressing room with some of Real Madrid’s biggest stars.
Focused on Spain before deciding international future
Pitarch has progressed through the Real Madrid academy before making the leap into the first team this season under Alvaro Arbeloa.
His impressive development has also earned him a regular place with Spain’s youth national teams, although he remains eligible to represent Morocco through his paternal grandparents.
Despite speculation over which country he could represent at senior level, the midfielder, whose immediate future at Real Madrid is uncertain, insisted his full attention is on the European Championship final.
“First, let’s win on Saturday, and whatever the future holds – which is still a long way off – let it come. That’s it.”
When pressed further on the possibility of choosing between Spain and Morocco, Pitarch again refused to be drawn into making any commitments.
“I see it as a long way off. First, here with the Under-19s, and whatever comes next, let it come.”
Pitarch reflects on Real Madrid breakthrough
The 2025/26 season has been a dream campaign for Pitarch, who admitted he never imagined becoming such a regular presence in the Real Madrid first-team squad.
Having earned valuable minutes in important UEFA Champions League fixtures, the midfielder explained how playing alongside elite players has accelerated his development.
“You go into games with far more confidence than if you were playing for Castilla.”
Reflecting on his rapid rise, Pitarch admitted the demanding fixture schedule left him little time to process everything that was happening.
“You don’t have time to think; you’re playing every other day. But above all, I’m enjoying every day spent with the best players in the world.
“With your idols all the time – the ones you used to watch on the TV.”
When asked which teammate had impressed him most at Valdebebas, the youngster reserved special praise for Jude Bellingham.
“Who’s surprised me? Obviously, Mbappe and Vinicius are impressive in any match, but in training I’d say Bellingham,” he concluded.
Source: Cadena SER
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.
