Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder to renew until 2027, final decision on future yet to be made
Not too long ago, Manchester City boasted of possibly three of the most talented group of U-18s in the same side. Led by Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho and Brahim Diaz rounded off this trio, all expected to lead the next generation at City.
While Foden’s stocks continued to rise, though, Sancho and Diaz had to leave City to find greener pastures elsewhere. The former joined Dortmund in 2017, while the latter left for Real Madrid in 2019.
Joining and finding minutes at Madrid is far from an easy task, though. With the squad packed to the brim with superstars, Diaz was reduced to six games in La Liga in the 2019/20 season, during which he had no goal contributions.
He left to join AC Milan in the summer of 2020 on a loan deal, and has been with the Italian giants since then. Three years and a Scudetto since then, Diaz is finally set to return to Madrid this summer.
According to Mario Cortegana (h/t Madrid Zone), Diaz is expected to renew his contract at Madrid once he returns from Milan. However, a final decision on his future is yet to be made.
The Spaniard’s current deal with Madrid expires in the summer of 2025, but he seems adamant about succeeding with the defending UCL champions.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Diaz can also play on the wing, which is where he plied his trade during his short-lived time at Madrid.
While he is definitely returning, it seems next to impossible to assume that Diaz will find a spot in a Real Madrid team already jam-packed with talent. Further, if reports are to be believed, Florentino Perez will likely look to invest even more money in the team in the summer.
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.
