Real Madrid News
Real Valladolid issue statement condemning racist abuse against Vinicius Jr
As the world fights to remove racism from football, isolated incidents like the events at Jose Zorilla in Real Madrid’s latest game still continue to occur. There is, theoretically, strict action being taken against such perpetrators but it is clear that more stringent regulations are required.
Vinicius Jr was the victim of voracious racist chants when Los Blancos played Real Valladolid earlier this week. Several sections of the audience targeted the Brazilian star, who had faced racist hurls during the match against Atletico Madrid as well.
Valladolid have released an official club statement in light of the events and declared that they condemn racism in any form and regret the incident.
“Real Valladolid condemns absolutely any form of racism and regrets what happened. There is no room for racism in football and society, so the club is determined to implement more and more measures to raise awareness, avoid and combat any similar episode.”
They further added that they would be willing to assist La Liga in investigating the incident and assured that disciplinary measures would be taken against any found perpetrators. The club closed their statement by stating that the isolated incidents did not represent the vast majority of its fans.
On Saturday, Vinicius came out on his social media to hit out at La Liga and Javier Tebas that the league continued to throw a blind eye to racism, bringing some much-needed attention to the subject.
While Tebas defended the league’s position and spoke on the various measured being taken, the Brazilian’s backlash has accelerated the investigations. One hopes that the offenders are brought to justice at the earliest to send a strong message against such behaviour.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
