Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star’s former club pour out love after recent milestone – ‘We knew this day would come’
Vinicius Jr was deservedly awarded FIFA The Best last night in a ceremony in Doha and it was only fitting given how he was denied the Ballon d’Or in the nth minute.
The award will only motivate the youngster to play better in the coming months and is massive from Real Madrid’s perspective.
On a personal level too, it is very special for Vinicius who even wrote an emotional letter to his younger self on his social media last night.
Flamengo’s message
Vinicius’ accomplishment has pleased the footballing world with several superstars coming out to congratulate the Brazilian.
Of all the appreciation, however, one stands out distinctly – the statement from Vinicius’ childhood club Flamengo.
“Vini, It’s very difficult to find words to say how much we love you,” the statement began.
“Born, raised and decorated wearing red and black. We share the Mantle, the idols, the stands; the anguish and the parties. Ours,” they added emtionally, calling Vinicius their own.
Further down the message, the Flamengo administration poured out love for the winger who is at the cusp of greatness.
“Seeing you is seeing ourselves. Your dreams are our dreams. Your struggles are our struggles. Your achievements are our achievements.”
Penning down what separates Vinicius from the others in the footballing world, they wrote,
“My Boy from the Nest, you represent to the fullest all the values of those who believe in and defend Flamengo.”
“Love for the sport, determination until the last drop of sweat, joy in achievements, blood in your eyes against injustice and strength in the face of adversity. Vibration in each victory, on and off the field – and you win A LOT, kid!” they continued.
Flamengo also expressed the impact of Vinicius’ achievement on Brazil and the young talents across the globe.
“You are the pride and inspiration of all of Brazil and it is so beautiful to see your nickname printed on shirts; to hear your name sung and admired by millions of children who play at being you.”
Towards the end, the club expressed how they were always conviced this day would come.
“We knew this day would come and yet here we are, completely excited.”
“The whole world is yours and your people are celebrating, come on!” they concluded.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid hope captain will resume group training tomorrow and be ready for Villarreal
Real Madrid received a major boost in training today as Kylian Mbappe participated in the group session, indicating his readiness for the upcoming game against Villarreal.
The French superstar had returned from international duty with a knee injury, but seems to have left it behind and appears ready to start at the Santiago Bernabeu come Saturday.
What about Federico Valverde?
Now, according to AS, Federico Valverde was not part of the group training session today at Valdebebas. Instead, he was involved in an individual session away from his teammates.
However, Real Madrid hope that their club captain will be able to resume working with the rest of the squad on Thursday, putting him in the fray to return in time for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal.
Valverde is currently recovering from an ankle sprain that he sustained in Real Madrid’s 2-1 derby defeat against Atletico Madrid prior to the international break.
The Uruguayan midfielder was on the receiving end of a harsh tackle from Kang-In Lee, which left him injured, ruling him out of action for the national team.
The 28-year-old stayed behind in Madrid and has worked hard on his recovery, with things progressing in the right direction.
What now remains to be seen is whether he can jump back into group training session on Thursday, which would put him on the path to return to action against Villarreal.
A key player for Mourinho
So far this season, Valverde has emerged as a permanent fixture in the team under new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Real Madrid captain has started all of the team’s eight matches in all competitions this term, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
His potential availability for Saturday’s clash against Villarreal will come as a major boost for Mourinho & co. Everything will depend on how things progress in tomorrow’s training session at Valdebebas.
With Ibrahima Konate also recovering from his knee sprain, Real Madrid have only three players sidelined currently: Raul Asencio, who recently underwent surgery, Rodrygo Goes, who is a long-term absentee, and Ferland Mendy, who has resumed work with the ball.
