Real Madrid News
Real Madrid plan to host an exhibition match between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
Roger Federer’s decision to retire after the upcoming Laver Cup has taken the sporting world by storm, with many prominent athletes congratulating the Swiss legend on a glittering career that saw him secure 20 grand slam titles.
In light of his decision to retire, Real Madrid are now planning a mega event by pitting Federer against his rival Rafael Nadal, in front of 80,000 odd fans at the Santiago Bernabeu, reports ESPN.
Nadal, who is one of three men’s tennis athletes to secure over 20 grand slam titles, has been one of Federer’s main rivals over the past decade or so.
The two have yielded some of the best tennis matches in history, and although Federer’s rivalry took even Nadal by surprise, Real Madrid plan to hold a final event to celebrate their revered rivalry by hosting a match at Santiago Bernabeu.
Nadal himself may have a significant role to play in hosting the event as the Spaniard is a self-confessed Real Madrid fan.
The tennis legend had also hinted at his desire to become a Real Madrid president in the past, so one would expect him to play a major role in convincing Federer, who holds great respect and an excellent relationship with Nadal.
However, it appears Real Madrid are yet to draw any framework for hosting the game just yet. A lot could unravel in the coming weeks, though in the meantime, Federer will look to shift his focus on the Laver Cup that starts next week.
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.
