Real Madrid News
Roma legend Totti talks Real Madrid, Bernabeu, Modric, Ancelotti: “It’s my second home”
AS Roma legend Francesco Totti was one of the high-profile attendees at Santiago Bernabeu when Real Madrid beat Celta Viga 2-0. Given his time in the Spanish capital, the former Italy international also visited Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground, meeting several players as a result.
As part of his visit, the legendary striker also reunited with his former Roma teammate Antonio Rudiger, while also meeting the likes of Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Vinicius Jr. among others.
It must be noted that over the course of his spectacular career, Totti has played as many as 10 games against Real Madrid. Of these 10 outings, five matches were played at Santiago Bernabeu and while speaking about the environment of the stadium, he said,
“Santiago Bernabeu is a stadium that instils passion and makes you want to play. Coming as an opponent was exciting,” he was quoted as saying by Mundo Deportivo.
In his final appearance against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu, the Italian received a standing ovation from the crowd. “It was a feeling that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It is a unique emotion to be applauded by a stadium like the Bernabéu. It was exciting.”
In 2014, Modric exchanged shirts with Totti and the 46-year-old said that he has a special relationship with the midfielder.
“I have a special relationship with Luka Modric. We admire each other. I have the pleasure of knowing him personally and he’s an extraordinary player and person,” he said.
Real Madrid are set to lock horns with Manchester City in this season’s UEFA Champions League semi-final and Totti hopes that Madrid come out on top.
“It’s a final in the semi-final. There are two great teams and two great clubs. We’ll see 50 world-class players. Anything can happen. I cheer on Real Madrid and I hope they make it to the final.”
Lastly, Totti also had joyful words reserved for Carlo Ancelotti.
“Ancelotti and I have a wonderful relationship. He is a true, pure person who transmits positivity. He gave me the chance to come and see Real Madrid City and here I am. After Roma, Real Madrid is my second team and the club that I have always encouraged and admired,” he concluded.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
