Real Madrid News
Real Madrid set asking price for exit-linked superstar
With a new manager in place, Real Madrid are making changes fast ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup and intent to be fiercely competitive next season.
New arrivals are coming hard and fast and the club look to be going from strength to strength on that front. It is undeniable, however, that they will look to say farewell to some players as well.
As has been the chatter over the past few weeks, Rodrygo is one player whose future in Madrid is uncertain given the managerial change.
Now, Rodra (h/t The Madrid Zone) provides a massive update on the same.
On his way out
As relayed by the journalist, the Brazilian star is likely on his way out of the club indeed and may not be defending the white jersey come next season.
The club will demand at least €80 million for his transfer as fixed fees which will be increased by further variables. All in all, the package demanded may well go above the €100 million mark.
Needless to say, the price can only be considered to be fair when one considers the impact Rodrygo has had on Real Madrid in recent years.
The past season was indeed rough for him, but he has largely been a dependable player known for his ability to come up clutch and the team’s comeback win over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League will always be remembered as the day he took charge.
The 24-year-old is currently tied down to Real Madrid until June 2028 and the club will thus look to make a good economic profit from his departure.
Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal all appear to be interested in procuring his services and it is thus likely that the Premier League will be his next destination.
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.
