Real Madrid News
Real Madrid youngster reacts after first-team debut vs Cadiz: “Always dreamed of this”
Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Garcia made his senior team debut on Sunday, against Cadiz, and he admitted that he always dreamed of playing for the first team.
He also revealed that he asked each of the senior team members to sign his shirt as he plans to keep it as a happy memory.
“I’m quite happy, at first a little nervous but when you enter the field that feeling goes away and I’m quite grateful,” he told Real Madrid TV (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
“I’ve been a Real Madrid fan since I was little. I’ve always dreamed of playing with the first team since I entered the academy. I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” he added.
Garcia was needed in the first-team
Garcia’s goalscoring prowess has always been recognized at Real Madrid Castilla and his talent earned him a call to the senior team in the face of an extensive injury list, which includes Vinicius Jr. as well.
In a crucial moment during a match, Carlo Ancelotti entrusted Garcia to step onto the field, replacing Rodrygo in the 78th minute and urging him to seize and relish the opportunity presented.
“It was the first time I travelled with the first team away from home, a new experience that my teammates made much easier. I am very grateful and happy,” he said.
“The coach told me to go out and enjoy it, to play as I know how to do it, to help the team defensively and offensively, but above all to enjoy a unique experience.
“I will keep this shirt. Let’s see if my teammates will give it to me after signing and I will keep it as a happy memory,” he added.
Lastly, he also acknowledged his teammate Nico Paz, who also had some minutes during Sunday’s outing.
“Like Nico, there are a lot of kids in the youth team who dream of living this moment. I have worked since I was little and with great enthusiasm and ambition this opportunity is given to live an experience that I will remember forever.”
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €40 millon-rated goalkeeper as potential Thibaut Courtois replacement
Real Madrid boast one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the form of Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Belgian is already 34 and his current contract at the club expires at the end of the season.
Although Real Madrid are keen on extending his contract, they are preparing for the possibility of life beyond the veteran goalkeeper as well.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are already keeping tabs on the market and monitoring potential replacements, with Diogo Costa emerging as one of the options.
Real Madrid interested in Diogo Costa
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Costa is among the goalkeepers Real Madrid are interested in, as they look for potential replacements for Courtois.
The Portuguese international is regarded highly and has been endorsed personally by the club’s new goalkeeping coach, Nuno Santos.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be playing a key role in driving the club’s interest in Costa, who currently plies his trade for FC Porto.
At age of just 26, Costa has established himself as the firm number one for the Portugal national team, having already won almost 50 caps.
€40 million for Costa?
Acquiring the services of Diogo Costa, though, won’t be a walk in the park for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international is valued at around €40 million, which the club might see as steep.
But given the experience and the quality Costa offers, Real Madrid do indeed see him as the ideal candidate to replace Courtois, if necessary.
Given that he is also liked by Mourinho and Santos, there is no reason why Real Madrid will be against paying that premium for the goalkeeper, especially if Courtois ends up leaving the club.
Real Madrid, though, are also open to finding an in-house replacement for Courtois, with Javi Navarro, in particular, making a lot of waves in the lower divisions.
That being said, everything indicates Courtois will sign a new contract so there shouldn’t be any immediate need for a replacement.
